The summer holidays before University are three of the best months in adult life. No studying, commitments and a strong plan in place for the future. At Nebula, we’ve spoken to the team to find out what they did with their pre-fresher summer, as well as anything they wish they’d done differently. We’ve rounded up the best of their tips on how to make the most of this time.

Learn some new skills.

Especially if (like many of us) you’re guilty of avoiding this one, get yourself comfortable in the kitchen. Not only does food eat away at the bank balance (quite literally) but a home cooked dinner is better for you, the environment and is just generally way tastier. If you have a few dishes up your sleeve in time for September it’ll be sure to impress your new flat mates, and it might even encourage a bit of friendly competition.

Find things you enjoy to fill your time.

Breaking away from the Monday – Friday of school, you may find you have a lot of time on your hands at the start of Uni life. 

To avoid spending a bit too much of it in the Eccy Road pubs and bars, you might want to give some new interests or hobbies a go. Joining a club at Uni is a great way to meet like minded people when you first move to Sheffield, and they also have the best events!

Get a part time job.

Saving a little extra spending money before Uni will allow you to say yes to more once you’re there. The skills you’d learn in these summer jobs may also help you land the best bar or retail jobs, if you ever need to earn a bit extra while studying. 

Some of our team found friends for life in their summer jobs, so that’s always a bonus.

Visit your soon-to-be city.

Have yourself a little staycation with friends and do a recce around your new area. 

You can get to know the places you like, the coffee shops, music venues, that little vintage shop tucked down a side street, so it feels more familiar and homely when September comes around. You’ll also be the one in the know at Freshers week!  

Appreciate your hometown, friends and family.

University is a place to have the best years of your life, making new friends, building a career and learning to live independently. That said, Uni can also make you appreciate home, the people in it and all the comforts it offers. So our last tip is to enjoy the summer in your hometown, spending time with family and friends.