Summer Break Plans That Aren’t Just “Sleep”
Semester break is finally here! It’s our favourite time (ever) when deadlines disappear, alarms are optional, and…assignment tab who? And sure, the first few days (or weeks, no judgment!) feel like sweet revenge on every lost hour of sleep, and you finally get to say “yes” to all the hangouts you postponed because you were “too busy”. But eventually, the moment hits: Now what?
Chill. You’re not spiraling, you’re just free. And we’ve got just the thing!
If you’re hanging around Campus Perth this holiday season with no solid plans yet, here’s how to fill your break with the perfect mix of fun and productivity - minus the feeling of doing too much or too little!
Hit Reset & Refresh On You AND Your Room
Admit it: your room has…seen better days. It’s survived you through exams, panic cram sessions, and the emotional rollercoaster of group projects. And now that you’ve finally got the time (and mental capacity) to breathe, why not show it some much-deserved love and give that “chair of eternal laundry” a break? A fresh, cosy space can do wonders in setting the tone for the rest of your break, and the perfect low-stress way to ease into your summer glow-up.
Aside from the usual cleaning and putting things away, you might also want to take the time to spruce it up into the sanctuary of your dreams! Think plants, posters, or a fresh set of silky sheets that make you feel like a million bucks. It doesn’t have to be a big change, just little ones that can make your space more you. When in doubt, check out Kmart, IKEA, or the shops around the corner to look for cool stuff to revamp your room!
Give Back To The Community
Perth in summer is basically one giant festival: markets, jazz nights, outdoor events, concerts, and many of them are always on the lookout for extra helping hands! Volunteering is a chill, low-commitment way to get out of your room, meet new people, and soak up some real Aussie vibes (bonus: free entry or backstage moments are very much a thing). And if the external gigs don’t line up, your uni or education provider might have their own volunteering opportunities worth checking out. You’d be surprised how good it feels to give a few hours of your time!
Credits: UWA Volunteering
Here are some volunteer places you can check out:
- UWA Student Guild Volunteering
- Ronald McDonald House Charities
- The Perth Symphony
- Perth Festival
- Multicultural Festival
- Fringe World Volunteer
Get Some Extra Cash (Or Experience)
If your wallet is feeling lighter than your post-exam schedule, summer casual work is your calling. Everyone from retail and cafés, to restaurants and boutiques is usually hiring during the holiday rush. Even if it’s just committing to a few shifts a week, putting aside those savings can really get the extra pocket money rolling!
And who knows - you might even discover a new skill you never knew you had! Whether it’s elite customer service charm, magic barista hands, or the ability to serve that perfect ice-cream scoop. Our tip? Keep an eye out on social media, Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn to see if anyone’s hiring. Don’t sleep on our partner, StudyPerth as well on career opportunities for international students!
Alternatively, if your university or education provider offers an internship program over the summer, you may wanna check them out too. If lucky, you could get a paid internship and some serious street cred in the workforce!
Make New Friends
Productivity is cool and all, but so is having a meme-worthy summer with your besties (and potentially, new ones!). Start with your comfort zone at Campus Perth by joining our many events, hanging out at The Commons, going out for coffee runs, or planning an adventure at Kings Park with your roommates. No need to overthink the plans - sometimes the best break moments come from just being spontaneous!
If you’re venturing out, try to meet new faces through activities or events outside of Campus Perth, from gatherings with StudyPerth, or hangouts hosted by social media groups. Enjoy every moment, since this is the time you can enjoy life without assignments looming over your head. You deserve it!
Finally Do the Things You’ve Been Procrastinating
Ah yes. Let’s not forget The List. The list that’s been sitting in the back of your brain, collecting dust and judging you quietly the whole sem! Now that’s you’re officially “less busy”, it’s the perfect time to tackle it: refresh that portfolio, update your CV and LinkedIn page, read that book you bought 2 months ago, hit the gym, pursue a new hobby…you name it (don’t forget to clear out that Downloads folder too!).
Believe us, it’s a lot less daunting than you think. Just aside a chill afternoon with your favourite coffee and snack, and smash a few of those “life admin” tasks that have been on hold. The productivity bug will eventually kick in, and trust that the proud, smug feeling you get after everything will be totally worth it.
Finally… Remember: Your Break, Your Rules!
Whether you're laying low, getting productive, or living your best summer ever, just remember: there’s no “perfect” way to spend a semester break. Mix things up, take things slow, try something new - or don’t. If your soul is calling for a full-season binge-watch or a doomscroll on TikTok, no judgement too. Because let’s be real…we’ve all been there before!
Whatever you choose, make it yours. Happy Summer Break!