Surviving & Thriving in Uni Halls Over the Summer Vacation

As term comes to an end and campus slowly empties out, a unique group of students stay behind in university halls for the summer. Whether it’s due to work, research, international travel constraints, or just personal choice, staying in uni accommodation over the break can feel a bit surreal. But while it may seem lonely or uneventful at first, this quieter period can actually be one of the most peaceful and productive parts of the year.

Here’s how to make the most of your summer stay in uni halls:

1. Embrace the Peace & Quiet

Once the academic year ends, halls transform. The once-busy corridors, bustling kitchens, and echoing common rooms become quiet and still. While the silence might feel eerie at first, it’s a rare chance to fully slow down. Take this time to:

• Catch up on sleep: With fewer distractions and no 9 AM lectures, you can finally reset your sleep schedule and get proper rest.
• Read for pleasure: Revisit your love for books that aren’t on the syllabus. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, reading can be a relaxing escape.
• Reflect and recharge: The lack of noise allows for introspection. Journal your thoughts, meditate, or simply enjoy the calm. This is a great time to reconnect with yourself without the usual hustle of student life.

2. Make Your Space Feel Like Home

Without the usual flow of flatmates and communal activity, your room might feel emptier than usual. But that’s all the more reason to make it your personal sanctuary.

• Decorate intentionally: Put up photos, posters, or prints that make you feel happy. Add cosy touches like cushions, fairy lights, or a new duvet cover.
• Bring in greenery: A small potted plant or two can breathe life into your space and give you something to care for.
• Get creative with your kitchen: With fewer people around, you’ll likely have more access to kitchen space. Try learning new recipes, batch cooking, or baking something indulgent—just for you.

The more your space reflects your personality and comforts, the more it will feel like a home rather than just a temporary room.

3. Explore Your City Like a Local

Without a packed academic schedule and with fewer students around, summer is the perfect time to explore the city beyond your campus bubble.

• Discover new places: Visit local museums, gardens, art galleries, or lesser-known neighbourhoods. Use apps or walking tours to uncover the history of your university town.
• Support local businesses: Try out independent cafés, farmer’s markets, or quirky bookshops. You’ll not only avoid the chains but also experience the local culture more authentically.
• Enjoy the outdoors: Summer is the ideal season for long walks, bike rides, or lazy afternoons in the park with a book. Make the most of the weather and your newfound free time.

This kind of slow exploration helps you form a deeper connection with the place you're living in—and might make you fall in love with your university town all over again.

4. Build a New Routine

With lectures and assignments out of the way, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of sleeping in late, scrolling endlessly, or binge-watching TV. But too much aimlessness can leave you feeling unmotivated and bored.

• Set personal goals: These could be small—like writing every day, learning a new recipe a week, or practising yoga—or bigger, like building a portfolio or starting a blog.
• Create a flexible schedule: You don’t need to be rigid, but adding structure to your day can help with motivation. Include time for rest, creativity, movement, and productivity.
• Track your progress: Whether it’s through a journal, a calendar, or a habit tracker app, seeing how far you’ve come is great for maintaining momentum.

A summer routine doesn’t have to feel like work—it’s just a way to bring intention to your days.

5. Connect With Others Who Stayed Behind

You’re probably not the only one sticking around. It just takes a little effort to find your fellow summer stragglers.

• Reach out to people: Check your group chats or student forums. There’s a good chance someone else is looking for company.
• Plan small gatherings: A picnic, movie night, or shared dinner can be low-pressure ways to spend time with others.
• Get involved in university events: Some campuses run summer programs, workshops, or activities for students who stay behind—keep an eye on newsletters and bulletin boards.

Even a few regular social interactions each week can make a big difference. Building a mini-community can keep you grounded and make your summer far more enjoyable.

6. Making the Most of a Quiet Season

Staying in uni halls over summer may feel unconventional or even a little lonely at times—but it can also be a refreshing and deeply rewarding experience. Without the noise and rush of the academic year, you’re free to rest, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. You have the chance to explore your surroundings, build new habits, and even forge unexpected friendships.

Whether you spend your days reading in the sun, learning something new, or simply enjoying the stillness, this summer can be a meaningful chapter in your university journey—one that’s quiet, yes, but also calm, creative, and completely your own.