Exam period is almost over; graduation is drawing close for final years and for the rest of us it means only one thing – summer break. I know what you’re thinking “yipee” but the summer holidays can soon pass you by and it may be September and the beginning of academic year 2012/13 before you know it. Here are some suggestions how you can make the most of your summer:

1. Family time

The vast majority of student life is spent in your university town and it’s easy to feel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Field_Hamois_Belgium_Luc_Viatour.jpg
homesick – don’t take the long summer break for granted and make sure to put some time aside to catch up with family and friends from home. Soon enough it will be time to pack up again and return to Leeds, you’ll certainly miss home comforts but make sure you take fond memories back with you to avoid missing the people too. 

2. Summer job

Boring I know – but, it doesn’t have to be. Making the most of being available to work full time hours over the holidays means you could potentially earn enough money to fund your next university year, allowing more free time during term time to study, less stressful cramming. Alternatively, your savings could be spent on enjoying fun activities at the end of the summer or during ‘freshers’. If you find a job that you enjoy, working could be a fantastic way to spend the summer and add that all important experience to your CV.

3. Work experience

Again, utilise your new found flexible availability and seek relevant work experience – taking a hands on approach to your future career will give you credibility in abounds. Not only will work experience provide those added extra employability points to your CV, but you’ll also benefit from learning first hand the world of work and your experience could provide you with a knowledgeable edge when writing those ‘theory’ essays, plus, a network of professionals for future reference in your chosen industry. 

4. Vacation

Of course, popular choice is to spend the summer jet-setting, partying and soaking up those sun-rays. Whether you chose a city break, a beach holiday or music festival, make sure its memorable and fun filled, those are the times you want to look back on. Next year when exam time comes these memories can fuel your motivation, pushing you through to the next summer break, make the most of it! Leeds of course is home to Leeds Festival, and if you’ve applied for tickets Leeds also plays host to free event Party In The Park.

And, if your planning on spending time here in Leeds over the summer period, why not take the time to delve into the culture:

5. Sight seeing

 Leeds is the largest city in Yorkshire and has a wealth of culture to enjoy. Make the most of the summer period which can occasionally offer a slight (we are after all situated in the North) improvement in weather, use this to take advantage of the many interesting sights, such as the industrial museum at Armley Mills. Other museums on offer include the Thackray Medical Museum and Royal Armouries, amongst others. If art is your scene why not visit Leeds Art Gallery, or to enjoy architecture visit the ruins at Kirkstall Abbey. Leeds also offers the popular West Indian Carnival in Chapeltown each summer, which has been running since 1967.  There are many parks where you can enjoy a day out, catch up on some reading or have a picnic, some options are: Roundhay Park which is home to Tropical World, Temple Newsam, visit Otley to feed the ducks or Ilkley to  enjoy the river (and of course on park pub), or walk the cliffs at nearby Cow and Calf. 

There you have it, The Met Online’s top choices to spend the summer holiday. Enjoy the holidays however you spend to choose them and arrive back to Leeds bright eyed and bushy tailed ready for another year of studies.