The academic year is over, and university students are now filling their time with other things — some have gone home to spend time with their family, some are working, and others have gone travelling.

To those at home and/or stuck working until the next year begins, it can seem like every other student in the world is out having amazing adventures over the summer period, leaving you with a feeling that you are missing out.

In this blog post, we take a look at how you can avoid that feeling of missing out and explain how to have a fantastic summer, wherever you are spending it — even if you’re working!

Don’t let social media affect your mood

This is easier said than done, as research has shown that social media can and does impact negatively upon mental health.

We’re not suggesting a full social media ban, but we are suggesting that, when scrolling on your phone, you remind yourself that people only share what they want you to see.

You are scrolling through photos that may have taken hours to produce — from getting the right shot through to editing. Instagram feeds are a curated collection of the best bits of someone’s life — don’t forget that!

So, while it may look like someone is having the time of their life on holiday, what they aren’t telling you is that the aeroplane journey was horrendous, the AC doesn’t work in their hotel room, and the local restaurants aren’t catering well for their lactose intolerance.

Focus on yourself

Instead of obsessing over what your mates are up to, why not take the time over summer to focus on yourself?

You could learn a new hobby, catch up on all the TV you missed while you were busy with uni work, or start a new exercise plan. This time is a gift, so use it wisely.

If you’re still fixated on Instagram, why not use this time to work on your photography skills? With the right know-how, you’ll be able to produce stunning Insta posts using any subject — no sandy beach required!

If some of your university mates have bagged super cool internships this year and that’s what is getting you down, why not commit to learning some new skills over the summer to give your CV a boost?

This summer isn’t a lost cause

Just because you don’t have enough money to head abroad with mates or go to a few of the big music festivals doesn’t mean this summer is a write-off. Keep yourself busy and you won’t have time to think about what you’re missing out on.

If you’re staying in Leeds, head to a festival around here — there are loads, from food festivals to those featuring music and dance. Love pop and can’t afford the whole weekend at Leeds Festival? Why not buy a day ticket instead?

If festivals aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of other stuff to do in the area. In fact, we wrote a blog post on all the free stuff there is to see and do in Leeds, so you don’t even have to do any research!

If your university friends are all off doing their own thing, why not spend some time with your friends from home? Don’t forget, you can always invite friends over for the weekend too or go visit them for a few days.

Even when you’re working through the break, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained.

Start planning for next summer now

If you’re feeling like you’re missing out this summer, it probably comes down to money. Friends who have gone travelling will have saved up some money to do so or have parents who have funded it. Worry not — with some careful forward planning, you too can go abroad next summer.

Saving as a student is hard, we know, but if you maintain a part-time job while you are studying and take full advantage of the student benefits available to you (student loan, student discounts, etc.), then it is possible to save up enough money to go on holiday.

In fact, if you live frugally, it is possible to do it on the remainder of your student loan — but a job would undoubtedly make it much more comfortable.

Whatever you get up to, have a fabulous summer!