Remaining on campus over Easter: A Student Survival Guide

If you find yourself staying on campus over the Easter break, it can be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, you have the free time to try some new, fun activities and to get caught up on those nagging tasks you’ve been putting off, but it can also be a bit of a lonely experience at times…in which case, have a read through our Easter Survival Guide to help you get the best of both worlds!

University Vacation Arrangements

Your first port of call should be to find out what arrangements your university has made for students remaining on campus over Easter. As a minimum, there should be an easily accessible list on the university website of the opening times and contact numbers of essential services and support, as well as transport options (e.g. the University of Surrey’s campus service list). Some universities go so far as to create a whole programme of events for students, such as this guide from the University of York that includes movie nights, egg decorating, communal sports etc. You may discover a new hobby or make a friend.

Friendship

Speaking of friends, in addition to attending any socialising opportunities arranged by your university, you can create your own. This could be as simple as knocking on a few doors – if you are living in student halls – to find out who else is staying at the university for the Easter break. Invite them over for a cup of tea or a film night; they will probably be very grateful for the offer of some company! Another option is to utilise websites like Meetup.com that are free to join and allow you to arrange days or nights out with people in your local area, based around shared interests such as vegan cooking, sci-fi films, photography or walking, to name just a few examples. It’s also important to keep in touch with friends and family through phone and video calls, social media, emails or even a good old-fashioned handwritten letter! Make sure to reach out to someone if you are feeling lonely.

Get Cooking!

As the saying goes, food is good for the soul. Now is the perfect time to get making some Easter-themed treats, which you can share with students in your halls, or take them along to an event or meet up; it’s the perfect conversation starter! The vacation also gives you the opportunity to try some more adventurous recipies that you are too busy to make during term time – check out some budget cooking blogs such as Thrifty Lesley or Frugal Queen to get the most out of your money.

Tidy Your Room

This is not as miserable as it sounds! A more pleasant living space should increase mental wellbeing, and in turn, translate into a more pleasant study space when term starts up again. Put on your favourite songs and get investigating some Pinterest boards of student rooms for inspiration. Small touches such as candles, cushions or finding imaginative ways of displaying your favourite photographs can really help to lift the mood of your room. YouTube is also a great source of university dorm DIY how-to videos, if you are looking for some cheap and creative ways to update your space. If you are feeling really organised, you could create your own study wall chart to make sure you keep on top of upcoming assignments, tasks and revision sessions.

Plan a Day Out

Whether your university campus is based in a lively city or a more rural area, you can guarantee that there are some hidden gems just waiting for you to discover them. Have a look at the tourist information website for your area and delve into the local galleries, museums, parks, live music scene and theatres. Depending on your budget, you may wish to pack some sandwiches and take a train ride to a different part of the UK for the day, or a night away; there is plenty of choice for lovers of the outdoors or those who enjoy a bit of culture. You might be able to link up with someone from your course - or from student halls - who has left for Easter, by visiting them in their home town. The charity HOST is particularly popular with international students, giving them the opportunity to visit a British family and learn more about life in the UK. See the HOST website, or speak to your university for more information.

How do you spend your time on campus during holiday periods, and what problems - if any - do you face? Get in touch; we'd love to know!