How to Spend Downtime at Uni

As some courses at Warwick do, the Theatre and Performance first year course finished about halfway through the third term. As a result, I was drifting about my accommodation facing 5 weeks of having to entertain myself before returning home. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of things to do both in and around Warwick university to make the most of those final summer weeks. Here are a few of the things I’ve been doing (besides napping, sleeping, then napping again!):

Hobbies (new and old)

I can’t stress enough how important it is to continue doing the things you love while studying. Whether it’s something calming like knitting or playing an instrument, or high-octane like rock climbing, it contributes towards having a healthy balance between work and play time. You could even have a mix; personally, I enjoy reading with a mug of peppermint tea as well as going to the sports centre on campus for a game of badminton. Whether it’s related to your degree or not, having a hobby is a valuable way to spend some time alone and recharge before your next big night (or day) out! If you’re looking to take up a brand new hobby at uni, check out the diverse range of societies we have at Warwick. There really is something for everyone!

Box sets

I LOVE a box set! As an art student with a passion for scriptwriting, nothing beats sinking into a new story with relatable characters and highly-engaging drama. Of course, everyone has different tastes, but my personal favourites include Peaky Blinders, Killing Eve, or- for a more light-hearted evening – RuPaul’s Drag Race and Death in Paradise. Warwick uni has access to several streaming services, including Box of Broadcasts, which is every student’s best friend when it comes to rediscovering your favourite shows. For my fellow theatre nerds, you can also access the National Theatre archive and Digital Theatre+ via the library! For specific play recommendations, keep an eye out for my next blog, coming soon!

Socialising (if you can remember how)

Now that most covid restrictions have been lifted, I’ve finally been able to enjoy the social side of university life. Third term has been the chance to go out and do EVERYTHING in a very short amount of time, even though my bank account is crying. There’s nothing like a spontaneous trip to Leamington Spa for a picnic or drinks in a pub. After all, you’re in a totally new environment and- for some of us -a different part of the country. You may as well explore! If drinking isn’t your thing, Leamington has beautiful gardens, shops and cafes where you can get to know your coursemates and flatmates outside of the university environment.

Exercise

Obviously, it’s important to live a healthy and balanced life. But with a student diet, that isnt always the case! The sports facilities at Warwick are amazing, and there are countless sports-based societies from ice skating to yoga. Sports societies also tick both “exercise” and “socialising” off your “things I need to do to be a functioning human being” list! However, if you prefer working out in private, there are some fantastic apps and youtube channels which cater towards how much space you have/what you enjoy doing for exercise. Furthermore, not only is it a productive way to spend your free time, it’s been scientifically proven that exercise helps your studies!