You’ve made it through the year! Well done. The summer is here, the exams are over, and you’re certainly deserving of a rest. Put your feet up and take it easy.

Whether you have your summer all planned out, or you’re looking for a summer job, working abroad, or spending some time travelling, it’s well worth planning some time to prepare yourself for the next year. A little can go a long way to help you get ahead for when your studies resume.

Get that reading list

It’s more than likely you’ll have been given your reading list for the upcoming year, and possibly ignored it until you go back to uni as you’re too busy catching up with old friends, enjoying home cooked food, and  celebrating finishing your exams. However, familiarising yourself with your course material and topics will give you a much better understanding of the year ahead and increased retention when it comes to exam-time. So take half an hour out of the day to have a quick read before you resume the fun stuff.

Work on your weaknesses

Was there any particular aspect of your studies that could need a little more work? Brush up on those skills and areas that you think need a little more polish. See if there are any extra classes, or online courses that will help you get to grips with those troublesome topics. Start a discussion group with your colleagues, either online, or in person, and see if you can help each other out.

Keep your mind active

As soon as your exams are over, it’s great to just kick back, switch off, and rest. But keeping your mind exercised is equally as important. Find a hobby and try something new. There are plenty of things to do on offer such as art courses, pottery and axe throwing. However, if you really want to exercise 

those brain cells, learning a new language could be the one for you. The cognitive benefits of learning a second language include greater problem solving abilities, better concentration, and improved memory retention.

Get healthy

Exam stress can take its toll on your health with too many late nights, convenient junk food, and post exam partying. It’s important to be aware of what your current health and fitness levels are so you know what you can and can’t do. If the gym is not your cup of tea, then making small changes to your lifestyle will help. Now’s the time to eat healthier and really look after your body. Moderating your drinking and quitting or reducing your smoking, combined with a little exercise and a better diet will have you fighting fit for the new academic year.

Find your accommodation

Ensure that you find the perfect accommodation in good time for your return to university. As important as it is to find a good neighbourhood with all the local amenities you need, it's just as, if not more essential, to know that you have a place you can call home. Check out our blog to help you find a space that's perfect for you.