Happy summer, Lions! One of the best things about the summer months is that they give you lots of time to catch up on self-care and try new things. While your summer plans may include sleeping in and catching up on Netflix shows, time passes by in a flash and, before you know it, summer will be over! Today I’m sharing the #YUBlog’s top five tips to help you make the most of your summer.
1. Rejuvenate and Relax
Summer is the perfect opportunity to relax and take a break. Meet with friends and family, relax on the beach, read that book you’ve been eyeing — basically, take some time to de-stress and rejuvenate after all the hard work you did in the 2018/2019 academic session!
2. Make a Plan
Have a lot of plans in mind for this summer? The best way to keep track of your summer goals is to make a game plan, whether it’s convincing your parents to let you take a road trip with your friends or mapping out your route to try every booth at Toronto’s Mac and Cheese Festival.
It’s also a great time to plan for the year ahead. For instance, you can plan what courses you want to take during the upcoming school year. Being organized and mapping out your goals goes a long way and helps your keep your eye on the prize!
Success Tip: Need help planning your schedule? Check out the #YUBlog’s post, “Breaking Down the Visual Schedule Builder”!
3. Travel Somewhere New
With all the extra free time you have in the summer, it’s the perfect opportunity to travel. Travelling is one of the best ways to learn, experience and discover new cultures, languages and more. In the process of overcoming challenges like cultural and language barriers, you have an amazing opportunity to learn and grow as an individual!
If you’re extra ambitious and wish to merge travel and school or work, look into York International’s study abroad and internships abroad programs! Want more information? Check out the #YUBlog’s posts: “Studying Abroad” and “York International: Internships Abroad”!
4. Learn Something New
If you have free time this summer, consider learning something new! Is there anything that you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t had the time? This is your chance to learn a new language or to sign up for that kickboxing class you’ve had your eye on. You can also take up a new hobby, boost your resume by mastering specific software or learn to cook. Whatever it is that you want to learn this summer, developing a new skill is a great opportunity to expand your skillset and have some fun along the way!
Success Tip:Need some inspiration? Check out the #YUBlog’s post “Five Summer Courses You Didn’t Know Were Offered at York U”!
5. Jumpstart Your Career
Getting a summer job will help you put your best foot forward when venturing into the real world after you’ve finished your degree! Summer jobs offer valuable work experience and can help you expand your skillset. Along the way, you also get to explore your career interests!
You can also plan ahead for the upcoming academic session! York U offers many amazing on-campus employment opportunities through its student work programs. You can find all work opportunities on the Experience York portal:
- Work/Study Program;
- Research at York (RAY) Program;
- College Life at York (CLAY) Program; and
- York Engaged Students (YES) Program.
I have absolutely benefited from my time as a Work/Study student at York U through amazing learning experiences, work opportunities and gaining a valuable network of colleagues. Want to know my story? Check out the two-part series on the #YUBlog, “#MyCrewYU: The Beginning” and “#MyCrewYU: Getting to Know Our Crew”!
What are you waiting for? I hope you’re inspired and ready to make the most out of your summer!
How do you plan to make the most out of your summer? Comment below or tweet us at @YorkUStudents.
Lauren Dick
Lauren Dick graduated in Spring 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Professional Writing and a Professional Certificate in Marketing. She loves to curl up with a good story and a warm cup of tea (only English Breakfast, mind you), and she hopes her blog posts will continue to encourage current and incoming students to learn more about York U and its community.
