Some thoughts on unstructured summers, and what to really do with all that time you’re given.

As we get to this time of year, we see a lot of content geared towards students in their final year as they finish their degrees, and all the excitement that goes along with future planning. Though, if you’re like me and returning to study in September, you may feel as though you’re looking on from the sidelines and wondering how you might spend your summer to get the most out of it. So, I thought I would share about my experiences volunteering over the summer, and how it helped me to keep some structure while not actively studying, as well as developing skills that will help in my future career.

The Challenge of An Unstructured Summer

As summer arrives, a lot of people can lose their sense of routine when there’s no schedule that usually comes in the form of assignments due and lectures to attend. Campus becomes emptier for those who don’t go home, and I think most of us feel that low-level pressure to do something with our summer. It feels great to finally get that break, but what do you do now? It’s that time of year to figure out what to do with that gap.

My Experience

I’ve found it’s been helpful to have some structure over the summer, to help keep me grounded and motivated. Some of us choose full-time or part-time work to do this, but volunteering is another option, one which I’ve had some experience with. Of course, volunteering isn’t just about giving you some structure to your summer; it can be a valuable life experience giving back to the community and helping others, a way to test-drive a career field you may be keen to explore, and offers an opportunity to develop real-world job skills you can reference on your CV and build on in your future career.

• In the months before I started volunteering, the lack of structure was disorientating. But even if you volunteer just once a week, it can still help you feel motivated and productive.

• Even if the role itself doesn’t end up being that stimulating, it still may give you the opportunity to interact and connect with the people you’re working with – so you can develop your communication and interpersonal skills that employers look for! Once a week you see the same people, you’ll have a routine and a purpose. It’s something to keep you focused.

• Overall, it maintained my motivation throughout summer, bringing me into the academic year with a sense of purpose. It motivated me to keep a schedule when I returned, as well as giving me a sense of giving back and providing more self-confidence from helping those around me and my community.

But How Do You Find Volunteering?

It may feel like a daunting task, something you’re not quite sure how to face. Not a lot of people talk about volunteering, or you may hear something about the benefits and think it’s for older people instead. Yet, volunteering is more fulfilling than it may seem and can push you out of your comfort zone and help build your confidence. Finding volunteering opportunities is easier than you might think. Most organisations that accept volunteers have a section on their website to apply. Check your local charities. Think about what career field you’re interested in, maybe you can find an opportunity with an organisation in that field. Even if there’s a company that doesn’t advertise it, send them an email and ask anyway - there’s no shame in looking for new opportunities.

Remember, you can always reach out directly to the Careers and Opportunities team here at Winchester for assistance.

Final Thoughts

Your summer doesn’t have to be filled, you don’t have to have plans every day. Here are some ways to build a structure to keep your summer feeling purposeful:

• Volunteering – even a few hours can be enough to shape your day or week.

• Part-time work – while the money is a bonus, it also develops skills, keeps you connected and gives you a routine.

• If you’re nearby, why not make use of the campus spaces that stay open over the summer – outdoor spaces, and any societies still running.

• Find a new hobby or try a new activity – if you’re into goals, maybe set a goal to learn something new or complete an artistic project by September – something personal instead of academic, think learning how to knit, or learning a new language you’ve always been interested in.

• Stay connected with the people in your course, something to keep that thread intact.

This summer doesn’t have to be turned into a project, yet having something, however small, to keep you on track and feeling productive and motivated will help your sense of wellbeing over summer, as well as maybe building some extra skills. September will come around before we know it! Most importantly, remember to make time to have fun and relax with friends and family and do all the things you enjoy that you might not normally have time for during the academic year. We all deserve a break!