10 ways to make the most of university breaks

Life as you know it is about to kick into a higher gear, and you'll quickly discover that it's all about balance.

As an incoming university student, it's important to understand that the go, go, go of tertiary study can be well managed both in and out of semester deadlines. You'll likely be balancing a tight budget, part-time work, your social interests and home life as well as your studies, so it's essential to make the most of your time, and not just while classes are in session.

The semester breaks are a great way to help you get some balance in your life, and it's worth taking the time to plan how you can make the most of them. Most universities have 12- or 13-week semesters, which may seem like a long a time, but before the break appears out of nowhere give yourself options and make sure you have the means to make the most of your plans.

You'll find that the end of year holiday usually starts in late November and runs through to late February. There will be shorter breaks in April, July and September will also give you some breathing room.

Here are our tips to make the most of your university breaks.

Work

Take on some extra shifts with your current job or try to find work that will benefit you when you’re applying for your first teaching job. Even if it’s unpaid, any relevant experience can help give you an extra edge during your interviews.

If you're working part-time, a couple of extra shifts per week will help boost your savings account. The extra money can provide both a financial buffer for emergencies as well as the funds needed for an overseas holiday or anything else you’ve been wanting to purchase.

2. Take on a new challenge

Step outside your comfort zone, whether it's joining a boot camp class, volunteering, travelling to a new country or committing to meeting new people. Life - and university - is all about broadening your horizons.

New challenges also reset your brain and body, helping you gain focus and clarity as well as a much-needed edge when you return to the daily demands of university life.

Think about planning for a holiday away. A new destination may give you a new perspective. Don't let study be an excuse not to discover more about the world around you.

3. Catch up with friends and family

Assignments, study groups, lectures and work can sometimes get in the way of spending time with the people who are most important to us. Connecting and creating memories strengthens bonds and reminds us that we have a support network cheering on our success.

4. Pick up a book

It doesn't have to be a textbook. Try to remember that reading can be fun. Immerse yourself in something fantastical and pointless, or meaningful and thought-provoking. Reading can not only keep your brain active and healthy, but it also reduces stress, improves your memory and helps you build stronger analytical thinking skills.

5. Get ahead of the game

Choose a portion of your time to do some advance reading. While the pressure is off, you may find that you will absorb more. A little preparation for the semester or year ahead  will help build your confidence and mean you are able to get more out of the subject you are learning.

Our first five tips are all about what to do. But just as importantly, there are a few time wasters you should stay away from!

6. Social media and web surfing is mostly a waste of time.

According to entrepreneur.com "the average person will spend more than five years of their lives on social media, compared with one year and three months socialising with friends and family in real life."

Turn off the phone or leave it at home or in the car. What's the real point of scrolling to see what everyone else is doing or commenting on - the action is in being there. Be present!

7. Getting out of bed to slump on the couch for endless days of binge-watching the latest TV series will leave you cranky and exhausted.

By the time your break is over, you will feel drained and have set yourself up for a tough semester.

8. Not every night should be a party night. The hangover hurts your health and your hip pocket.

We all need to blow off a little steam now and then, but don't let these nights become the status quo, otherwise, by the end of the break, you'll be exhausted and broke.

9. Not having a couple of ideas up your sleeve may leave you meandering aimlessly through your break.

Plan your breaks in advance and investigate work placement opportunities, find the holiday destination you'd love to reward yourself with, open a savings account and add to the balance weekly to help you towards your holiday goals. Each time you've translated the goals and plans into actions, you will have a win!

10. Don't stay on the study treadmill 24/7.

Yes, taking the opportunity to get a jump start on the next semester can give you a leg up, but remember that balance is critical. Allowing yourself to take time off to rest and recharge will help reduce your stress levels. It may also help to improve clarity and focus and give you the energy and enthusiasm to tackle and achieve the best results possible in your studies.

Teachers Mutual Bank is the bank built by teachers, for teachers. We’re dedicated to investing in the education community by providing scholarships to current and future teachers and sponsoring events and conferences.

We know that studying to become a teacher is an exciting and sometimes challenging time and our Teacher in Training campaign is designed to help you make the most of your first year at uni.