How to make your breaks more interesting

After two very relaxing weeks at home in Norway, I’m now back in Southampton and very ready to finish some of my coursework. However, technically I’m still on a break for another two weeks and although the plan is mainly to do work, breaks are important.

It’s a continuous question; what should I fill my breaks with? Most of the time, I’m on so buried in deadlines my breaks consist of eating or going to the gym – but now I don’t have any immediate deadlines and thus time for more and longer breaks.

Tennis 

There are two tennis courts behind Avenue Campus, which are open to book for all students. The gym is nice to go to when it’s raining, but when the sun is out I’d trade the gym for an outdoor workout any day. Therefore, when the sun decides to come out and the temperature is above 10 degrees I’m looking forward to spending some breaks here. However, a trip to the gym is a perfect break from work if the sun is not out.

Netflix 

It’s nice to be productive while you are having a break, but sometimes it’s even nicer to crawl up in bed and watch Netflix after a long day of course work. At the moment, I’m watching the last season of House of Cards and when I finish that I’m ready to catch up on the latest season of Suits. After that, I need something new to watch, so any tips are greatly appreciated.

Walks 

One of the best thing with having a local boyfriend is that I get to see every part of every area in Southampton. Think you’ve seen Bassett properly because you’ve been to Glen Eyre? Think again. When the weather is sunny I love going for walks and my favourites have always been down to Ocean Village or The Common, but Bassett has now made it to my list of favourite places in Southampton. The Southampton City Golf Course is not far away from Highfield Campus and is located in between loads of cute typical British houses. The surrounding areas around Highfield campus are lovely places and are all worth checking out.

Coffee breaks

I’m sure most of your friends are just as busy as you are with coursework. A coffee break with them is a good way to get something highly needed (caffeine!) and socialise at the same time. If you are on campus, there are several places to go; The Bridge, the Arlott Bar or The Piazza to mention a few. If you are in town I think Bedford Place has some really lovely cafés; Retro Café, Café Monde and Halladay’s Tearooms are my favourites.

I was lucky enough to fly over the spectacular Windsor Castle when I came back to England. One word: huge!

Alexandra