With summer holidays fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to spend those precious weeks off. Whether you want to recharge, get ahead in your studies or take steps towards your future career, planning your summer break around your goals can make it both enjoyable and productive. Here’s three summer holiday vibes to choose from to help you make the most of your summer, no matter what your priorities are.
1. Easy but balanced
If you’ve had a full-on semester and need a break, your summer can be all about unwinding and enjoying some downtime. Here’s how you can craft the perfect “chill” holiday:
– Hit the beach: There’s no better way to relax than lounging by the ocean. Western Australia has some of the best beaches in the world, so make use of them! Think Cottesloe, Scarborough, or the quieter Leighton. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can head south to Margaret River or north to Lancelin for a beach trip with a side of wine tasting or sand surfing.
– Travel WA: Why not take a road trip and see more of WA’s stunning scenery? Explore the Pinnacles, camp under the stars in Karijini National Park or go snorkeling at Ningaloo Reef. You could even do a weekend getaway to Rottnest Island and snap a selfie with a quokka! Even if you are a WA local born and bred, make sure you experience all of those once in a lifetime experiences, because it can be fun to be a tourist in your own country!
– See family and friends: Use this downtime to reconnect with your loved ones. Whether it’s BBQs, movie nights or catching up over coffee, summer’s the perfect time to slow down and enjoy those relationships that often get neglected during the busy semester.
– Pick up some work: If you still want to be productive but keep it chill, picking up some part-time work is a great option. You can earn a little extra cash without overwhelming yourself, giving you the freedom to spend time relaxing too.
2. Get ahead in your studies
If you’re the type who likes to stay ahead of the curve, summer is the perfect time to knock out a unit or two.
– Take an intensive unit: We offer a variety of summer school options, so you can complete a unit in a condensed timeframe. It’s a great way to lighten your load for the upcoming semester or fast-track your degree. Plus, with fewer students around, the campus feels more relaxed, and you’ll have more focused time to study.
– Catch up on reading: Whether it’s for your degree or personal growth, summer can be the perfect time to tackle that reading list. Spend your mornings studying in a café and afternoons relaxing, giving you a good balance of productivity and leisure.
– Review study content: If there is a concept you didn’t quite grasp and want to be sure you can perform to the best of your academic ability, why not use the time to review it. Plus, it might even feel easier to take the content in because there is no pressure of a deadline or a test to cram the knowledge in! If you need to brush up on your study skills or get study support, visit our study support webpage!
3. Further your career
For those looking to get a head start on their career, summer can be a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and build your professional network.
– Find a summer internship: Many companies offer summer internships for students to gain hands-on experience. Whether it’s a role at a local firm or with a family friend, or a well-established internship with a big-name company, internships and networking are great ways to get your foot in the door. Check out Curtin’s website, UniHub or websites like LinkedIn or Seek to find opportunities that align with your field.
– Part-time work in your industry: If an internship isn’t an option, look for part-time work in your field of interest. It doesn’t have to be a dream job—anything that gives you relevant skills and experience will help. Trying to pick up work at a firm’s reception or an administration job in industry is a great way to get an understanding of how your industry operates on a day to day and customer service level.
4. Bonus: Explore WA like a local!
If you’re an international student spending summer in WA, this is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the Aussie summer life and see iconic sights.
– Visit iconic WA locations: Take advantage of WA’s incredible landscapes and tourist spots. Spend a day wandering Kings Park and enjoying panoramic views of Perth, or head to Fremantle to explore the markets and historic streets. For something uniquely WA, head down to Busselton and walk the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere or take a trip to the Swan Valley to sample local produce and wine.
– Explore local festivals and events: Summer in WA is packed with events, from outdoor music festivals to food and cultural celebrations. Keep an eye out for local events like the Fringe World Festival in January or Perth’s outdoor cinema screenings, where you can catch a movie under the stars.
No matter what your goals are, planning your summer holidays with intention will help you make the most of your time. Whether you’re recharging, getting ahead in your studies, building your career, or exploring WA, there are so many different ways to plan your holidays. Spend the break how you want to! So, what’s your plan going to be?
