StuVac will run from 20 September to 24 September, and it’s fast approaching. Not too sure what to do during this week? Here are our five tips to help provide you with some inspiration.
Take a break
StuVac, or ‘study vacation’, can be used to catch-up on assignments and homework, but why not also treat it as a ‘student vacation’? You’ve put in the effort and studied productively in the first half of semester – now it’s time to take a break.
This might look different for each person, but at the very least make sure that you are looking after yourself and taking a moment to slow down. Gone are those early starts, and coffee-fuelled late-night study sessions. Now that you have some flexibility to your schedule, consider something as simple as just sleeping in. Build that puzzle you’ve been wanting to work on. Watch that show on Netflix that your friend recommended to you. There are plenty of unique ways to unwind and relax during this upcoming StuVac.
Get vaccinated
Missing the good old days of going out? Take this time during StuVac to look into getting vaccinated and get yourself well-informed. Talk to your health practitioner about the options available to you, and if you’re eligible, book it. By getting vaccinated, you will not only protect yourself, but you’ll also keep your friends and family safe.
The UTS Medical Centre currently offers COVID-19 vaccinations for domestic students.
Set up a study plan
If you’re a little behind with assignments, lectures, or your readings, StuVac is the perfect time to refocus and start the second half of semester on the right foot. Consider setting up a study plan to help you manage your time, and to still squeeze in some time to relax.
Think about how you can schedule tasks best. Maybe you can list everything you want to achieve before the week is over, and then assign those tasks to each day of the week. Remember to prioritise based on urgency and importance. Alternatively, you may work best by working through everything methodically and not setting daily milestones.
Either way, use some form of study tool to assist you along the way such as a paper diary or planner, a to-do list (to get the satisfaction of completing tasks), or Google Calendar (to schedule group study sessions and keep yourself accountable to your friends).
Stay connected
It can be hard to keep in touch with friends and family with everything going on in the middle of semester. Take some time out of the week to reconnect with people.
Why not set up an online catch-up and watch a movie with Kanopy, or organise a games night? Show everyone that you’re really on vacation by throwing up that Zoom beach background – or maybe you’d prefer to be back on campus with these backgrounds.
Try also visiting the ‘What’s On’ page to discover the types of events happening throughout StuVac and beyond. Get your friends together to join in Drag Bingo and you might even make some new connections!
Learn a skill
Still not sure what to do during StuVac? Look into mastering or learning a new skill. Turn that thought into an action. Have a look at some courses on LinkedIn Learning (accessible for free through the UTS Library website) to get started. You can even get a certificate to show off what you learned! Virtual work experience programs can also be a great way to learn real, in-demand skills.
Finally, be sure to check in to the Student Learning Hub website throughout the semester. They often run skills workshops that teach you how to use digital tools. For example, recently there have been sessions that covered the basics of Microsoft Excel and Power BI. The Hub also runs interactive soft-skills classes that can help you get the most out of your academic, personal and professional life.