The sun is finally out, the birds are chirping, spring has sprung at long last. And, to top it all off we’re on holiday!
If you are anything like me and your poor, overworked mind has also lost the ability to think about anything other than deadlines, then let me help you out with some ideas to make the most of your week off.
I’m sure, for many people, spring vacation seems like a great time to spend some time with family. So, here are a few suggestions for having fun outside the bubble if you’re heading home this week:
Spend time with family and friends you haven’t seen in a while
Enjoy being able to annoy your siblings in person once again. Catch up with school friends if you can because if you’re like me you won’t have seen some of them since Christmas or maybe even the summer.
Enjoy a home-cooked meal
I know this is something I am ridiculously excited for. There is only so much pesto pasta a girl can stand and I think I have long since exceeded that limit.
Go on a shopping spree
Particularly relevant for those in cities but I think you will have better prospects in most places. Unfortunately, St Andrews is not renowned for its shops – unless, of course, you’re in search of a Jellycat or a book.
Read that book that has been on your To Be Read for months
It can be so hard to read for enjoyment while at uni. The last thing you want to do to relax after a long day of reading is more reading. Maybe this week is your chance to get back into it.
If you are spending your spring vacation in St Andrews, then here are a couple of ideas to make it feel like you are really on holiday:
Go to the beach
Make the most of these uncharacteristically sunny days we seem to be experiencing and the beautiful beaches of St Andrews and go for a walk or have fish and chips on the beach. Bonus points for those who go for a swim and avoid dive-bombing hungry seagulls.
Try out some of the cafes
St Andrews has approximately 1 billion cafes so why don’t you test out some that you have never tried before. Who knows, maybe you will discover your new favourite place.
Walk the Fife Coastal Path
This is another thing that you need to have a nice day for as my friend and I learned after ill-fated attempt at the beginning of the semester. Look out for the elusive Highland cows.
Visit the aquarium
Something that I always forget exists but makes for a fun afternoon out. It's actually quite interesting.
Visit one of the museums
St Andrews is home to a couple of museums so you could check if they have any good exhibitions on. I believe Wardlaw had a workshop on feminism last week which would have been interesting to participate in.
Visit Edinburgh
I debated about this one because it is obviously not in St Andrews but it is only about an hour and a half by bus (which is free if you have your NEC) and is a fun day out.
This would also give you a break from St Andrews for a day and make it feel like you are properly on holiday.
Finally, for those who have deadlines for the week after the holiday, let me be the first to offer you my deepest condolences. You have been dealt a terrible hand.
As a show of sympathy here are a couple of suggestions for making sure you still get some semblance of a break this week.
Make plans
I always find I work better if I know that I will be doing something fun later and remember you should still enjoy your week free from classes
Organise your day
Otherwise, if you are anything like me you will spend the entire day vacillating between procrastinating and working. This will give you a bit of time to yourself so you can relax however you like, whether that be watching an episode of your favourite show, going for a walk or meeting a friend for coffee.
Reward yourself with sweet treats
Pretty self-explanatory to be honest, sweet treats are always a good idea, holiday or not.
Hopefully you all have an amazing week off, whatever you do. Come back feeling refreshed for Semester 2, Pt. 2.
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