Nine Things To Do After Exams
By Abeer Abutalib, MDXSU Intern and MDX Graphic Design student
Maybe you're already post coursework, or, more likely, you're reading this amidst a sea/ocean/swamp of revision.
Either way, summer really isn't that far off - but what to do after you’ve officially clocked off? Here our are top nine things to do once the sun is out and you've left exams and deadlines far behind - for a few months, at least.
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1) Do some exercise! Hear us out...
Being in the library, you've gotten too accustomed to sitting down in one place for too long. Sign up to the gym with a friend - having a buddy means you can motivate each other to exercise that little bit harder. If you're already way into overdraft and blocked the bank from calling you again, get out and explore with friends. Take advantage of the good weather - when it appears - by going hiking or camping in the countryside together!
2) Get clued up
Learning doesn't really take a holiday - you can always work on new skills to stand out from the herd. New hobbies are also a practical way to spend your time: learning to play guitar, for example, is arguably more productive than watching reruns of Game of Thrones.
At least until the next season comes out.
Learn how to rock-climb, take up lessons in any instrument or ask friends for book recommendations. Spend a whole afternoon in a public library perusing through books that speak to your fingertips - the world is your oyster, baby!
3) Get a change of scenery
Fresh air and greenery don't just make you feel good. Studies show that interaction with nature boosts productivity, which technically means your summer will be so much more productive if you take your laptop with you and Netflix outside rather than in your own room. Be one with nature.
At the same time, you gotta leave some time every now and then to get away from distractions. Try local coffee shops. Not the same places you ran to at midnight when you were stressed to get a quick fix - you don't need those memories. Take your summer reading outside, but don't forget the sunscreen! Nothing worse than starting the summer the MDXSU way with a dirty tan line, it reflects badly on the rest of us here.
4) Make some memories!
The best bit about the holidays is catching up with friends and family so make the most of it. Something as simple as a board-and-card-games night does the trick splendidly.
Well. Most of the time.
You might want to get all your home friends together and play poker with Quality Street instead of cash, organise your own bake off, or reminisce over cringeworthy childhood videos. Visit all the museums and galleries. Go to an aquarium, or the arcade. If you've never been free wheeling, now's your chance! If you didn't know, FreeWheelers is the university's Bike Hire Scheme. Now you know. Check out more info on bike here with us here.
Our point is, if you pack your holidays with beneficial work, personally rewarding experiences and fun times – as well asTV Series' box sets – you will have succeeded in making this invaluable time count. Go and enjoy it. You deserve it.
5) Travel
You own this whole 'London-living-student' culture, but there's so much more out there. There's food, colours, music, dances, different smells, different air, completely different vibes - going to the everyday cities and being a tourist isn't enough: really submerge yourself into the diverse culture that a country has to offer. And you could even win yourself some free flights.
6) RELAX
Just because this is a little further down the list, doesn't mean it is of less importance - this rest needs to be taken seriously. As you rest your body, so shall you rest your mind and soul. In turn, this means coming back after summer with a fresh headspace - not the negativity of the stress that followed you around this academic year as you ran away from it.
7) Summer Shutdown, obvs.
One more time for the people at the back, SUMMER SHUTDOWN!
It was Summer Fest. Now it's back, and it's bigger, and it's Summer Shutdown. We don't think you'll ever be able to understand how excited we are for this - since last summer it's been the talk of the town, and has also received a whole lot of talk over social media.
Summer Shutdown is the biggest event of the year. We are officially shutting down campus for the summer, so if there's one thing on this list that you don't want want to miss, it's this. Click here to get your tickets online now.
8) Treat yo'self
You are a beautiful, independent human being that probably spent more time this year stressing about stress than studying for exams. You deserve to treat yourself to a lil' sum'n sum'n. If your overdraft says otherwise, complete our Big Union Survey for your chance to treat yo'self fo' FREE.
9) Prepare for the next year of your life!
The next step - going into your final year at uni next year? That's tough. Starting your second year after summer? Most would argue that that's even tougher. Graduating? About time.
Whatever it is that you're doing next year, it has been an absolute pleasure to have you in your circle. If you're about to graduate, we hope we will see you again. And we don't just mean at the Graduation Party. And for those of you who are returning next year, we hope this list helps you make the most of your summer. We can't wait to do it all over again next year!
