With Reading Week quickly approaching, many of us have plans for a trip away from London, whether it’s to explore England, head home to see family, or a quick visit somewhere in Europe. As students, we spend most of term juggling classes, readings, work, friends and other commitments, and Reading Week is a much-deserved break for us all. However, while it’s important to spend time unwinding, unplugging and enjoying a relaxing break with friends and family, here are some simple tips for managing your time so your return to campus is a little easier.
Plan ahead
If you are planning to travel during Reading Week, plan strategically. If you have a busy schedule coming up after break, opt for a shorter local trip rather than traveling abroad for the entire week. Take a short train trip to a place you haven’t been yet in the UK such as the Cotswolds, Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, or York. Save longer, international trips for summer or months when you have more time and flexibility.
Enjoy yourself!
Whatever you decide to do during Reading Week, make sure to spend plenty of time relaxing and recharging so you’re refreshed for the second half of term. Take the opportunity to sleep in, get extra rest and do some of your favourite activities that you might not have time for during the school term. Read for fun, cook meals from scratch, exercise or catch up with friends and family in person or over FaceTime. If you decide to stay in London, check out a museum you’ve been meaning to visit, explore a new neighbourhood, or try a bar or restaurant on your bucket list.
Catch up on your to-do list
With extra free time on your hands, try to catch up on some of the items on your to-do list that you may have been putting off. Do laundry, clean your living space or stock up on groceries. Draft an internship or job application, spend some time planning your dissertation, or take care of any appointments you may have.
Make a schedule
Before break, plan out the second half of your Lent Term so you have a clear idea of when your formative assessments and other projects or presentations are due. Make a list of readings or lectures you may have missed during the first half of the term, or other work you need to catch up on. Then, spend some time planning your future assignments and catching up on work from earlier weeks. Steps such as creating an outline for your upcoming formative essay or getting a head start on planning for your presentation will help make the second half of Lent Term much easier.
