What probably felt like the oddest school year ever has finally ended, but now that things have opened up again, you might be feeling hesitant or slightly uncomfortable about having all this free time. You probably feel like you have lost some social skills, have got too comfortable with being in your own space or prefer not to leave the house. Here are some ways that you can get outside your comfort zone and make the most of summer this year!
- If you can, get vaccinated! It will mean things will open up for not only you, but others around you. It’s super important that everyone is able to feel safe now we’re finally leaving the past year or behind us. If your appointment is far in the distance, check out local pop ups or walk in centres – that’s how I got mine!
- Get a summer job. Last year was a difficult summer for those of us who were either out of work or had abruptly finished school. I was determined to not feel bored ever again! Try to apply to as many jobs as you can throughout summer, even if they are only for a few hours a week. It can bring in valuable income and experience and it will keep you busy. If you’re not having any luck finding anything, try not to give up hope. I applied to around 40 listings before I received the interview for my current job!
- Learn to drive. I am fully aware that the current situation in terms of driving is absolutely dire. People are waiting until 2023 to be able to even take the test because of the covid backlog! That being said, it’s totally possible to be ahead of the curve. Learn how to operate gears and the clutch in your neighbourhood and ask your parents or a trusted adult if they could help tutor you until you are able to book a driving instructor. Study drivers ed and get your provisional. Oh, and if you’ve turned 17, book your driving theory test as soon as you can, even if you haven’t done anything! It’s so busy and not worth waiting any longer than you need to.
- Stay away from the clubs when they open. It’s time for the 2002 babies to finally have their turn! (I’m obviously joking, but if I see people from the year below me in the clubs who are apparently 18, I’ll probably cry). In all seriousness, if you don’t want covid, it’s probably best you stay away from them at the moment. Don’t want to ruin your summer by having to stay indoors isolating!
- Find cheap train and coach tickets and go for little breaks around the country with your friends. If you plan it ahead, you can go on trips without having to drive. If you split the cost of small hotel rooms, it can turn out to be a trip on a budget. You can get from London to Cardiff by coach for a £14 return! You can use public transport or walk around a city, research free tour guides or just do free activities.
- Find volunteering opportunities. Volunteering is one of the best and most accessible pieces of experience you can put on your CV. You can go into local charity shops and ask if they need help, write to an elderly relative or family friend, or get involved with your local Scouting or Girlguiding unit. It’s a productive and generous way to spend your time which benefits both parties!
- Make some money in other ways. You can do tutoring, cleaning, selling things around the house on eBay, or doing surveys. You don’t have to leave the house if you really don’t feel able to!
- Reading at least 15 new books. Get in the sun, clear up the ‘mask-ne’, and read. Check out my article with book suggestions for some ideas!
- Look after yourself. We might be coming out of this now which is great, but don’t forget to relax now and again by having a bath, getting an early night or watching your favourite comfort film. You might have done lots of this through lockdown so try to maintain some self-care. Perhaps factor in taking a covid test once a week just to check up on your health and protect your loved ones.
- If you haven’t cooked before, learn. Do it for D of E. Do it for your family. Do it for when you go to uni. Do it because you’re hungry and home alone! It’s such an important life skill and you’ll have to learn at some point, so why not now? If you learn a few dishes, you can invite your friends over and cook for them! Or even better, organise a come dine with me evening where you have to judge each other. Or have a murder mystery night! Once you know how to cook, you can have loads of fun with it.
You can truly have a great summer now as long as you have a good balance. You don’t have to go out all the time and there’s certainly no pressure to. If you’re feeling nervous about things opening up again, you can take small measures like continuing to wear your mask and researching how busy places and venues get. You could even take a test before you meet up with your friends, like me and my friends do. It’s a very small and easy way to make sure everyone feels happy and can have a full, carefree summer!
