So, you’ve almost finished your A Levels (congratulations!) and you’ll hopefully be off to university in September. This is an exciting time in your life – be prepared for lots of change, new people and new experiences. But what to do over the long summer that now stretches ahead of you? Celebrate and have fun, of course, but don’t forget that these months are also an important time to prepare for the next stage of your life. Here are some tips to make the most of the all-important summer before university:

1. Get a part-time job

If you haven’t already got a part-time job, this is the perfect time to start your job search. While you don’t want to overwork yourself (you need to relax after your exams), part-time work is the perfect way to get some excellent work experience, save some money, develop your skills and make new friends. I would recommend applying to companies that employ lots of students and other young people. This way you’ll meet new people who are at a similar stage of life to you. Of course, you’ll also be earning and saving money as well, which will be invaluable once you are living on a student income!

2. Go shopping

Once your university place is secured after results day, it’s time to go shopping! You’ll likely need new cutlery and kitchenware, bedding and things to decorate your university bedroom with. This doesn’t have to be too expensive. Shops such as Wilko, The Range, Dunelm and Primark have some excellent ranges that are perfect for a student budget. I would recommend making a list of everything you need before you go so you don’t get too overwhelmed once you start shopping.

3. Spend time with family and friends

You might not realise it at the moment, but you are likely to miss your family and friends from home if you are moving away to a new city for university. Phone calls with my family, boyfriend and friends from home were so important to me when I was missing home while at uni. Make sure you spend lots of time with the people you love before you move out, as you might not see them for a few months once your university experience begins. Even if you’re desperate to be independent and start your new adventure, try not to distance yourself from the people that are most important to you.

4. Celebrate!

You’ve finally finished your A Levels (and fourteen years of education) so go out and celebrate! After all your hard work and revision over the last few months, this is the perfect time to relax and enjoy yourself. Nights out, trips to the beach and BBQs should definitely be on your to-do list this summer!

I hope this has given you a few ideas of what to do with all your free time now A Levels are over. Most importantly, although starting something new can be scary, try not to worry or panic about going to university. Enjoy the long summer and look forward to the adventure that is awaiting you in September!

So, you’ve almost finished your A Levels (congratulations!) and you’ll hopefully be off to university in September. This is an exciting time in your life – be prepared for lots of change, new people and new experiences. But what to do over the long summer that now stretches ahead of you? Celebrate and have fun, of course, but don’t forget that these months are also an important time to prepare for the next stage of your life. Here are some tips to make the most of the all-important summer before university:

1. Get a part-time job

If you haven’t already got a part-time job, this is the perfect time to start your job search. While you don’t want to overwork yourself (you need to relax after your exams), part-time work is the perfect way to get some excellent work experience, save some money, develop your skills and make new friends. I would recommend applying to companies that employ lots of students and other young people. This way you’ll meet new people who are at a similar stage of life to you. Of course, you’ll also be earning and saving money as well, which will be invaluable once you are living on a student income!

2. Go shopping

Once your university place is secured after results day, it’s time to go shopping! You’ll likely need new cutlery and kitchenware, bedding and things to decorate your university bedroom with. This doesn’t have to be too expensive. Shops such as Wilko, The Range, Dunelm and Primark have some excellent ranges that are perfect for a student budget. I would recommend making a list of everything you need before you go so you don’t get too overwhelmed once you start shopping.

3. Spend time with family and friends

You might not realise it at the moment, but you are likely to miss your family and friends from home if you are moving away to a new city for university. Phone calls with my family, boyfriend and friends from home were so important to me when I was missing home while at uni. Make sure you spend lots of time with the people you love before you move out, as you might not see them for a few months once your university experience begins. Even if you’re desperate to be independent and start your new adventure, try not to distance yourself from the people that are most important to you.

4. Celebrate!

You’ve finally finished your A Levels (and fourteen years of education) so go out and celebrate! After all your hard work and revision over the last few months, this is the perfect time to relax and enjoy yourself. Nights out, trips to the beach and BBQs should definitely be on your to-do list this summer!

I hope this has given you a few ideas of what to do with all your free time now A Levels are over. Most importantly, although starting something new can be scary, try not to worry or panic about going to university. Enjoy the long summer and look forward to the adventure that is awaiting you in September!