10 Autumn Holiday Tips for International StudentsApril 17, 2019

You're an international student who happens to come from a one-climate country. You're thrilled about the fall, not believing that the season would reach the midpoint. It won't be long before you would experience your first winter. You could prepare for warm clothing, even check out your window(s) and curtain(s). And you have all the time in the world. The autumn holiday is about to start, and you're not envious of other students who have a head start. You haven't planned your holiday. Yet.

You deserve a break after having shown diligence and persistence in meeting the requirements in your degree program. You would wish that you could travel to the Outback. (You don't have funds. Yet.) You yearn for the sea, but the cold may not enable you to make that big splash. You don't fancy surfing at all. There's no need to worry, as the break should give you many opportunities. Whether you're a first-year student or someone who is on final year, it's very important to learn how to make the most out of your free time. After all, the lecture and paper writing would leave you with little time at all. If you're really serious about your well being, then plan it ahead.

How to Have an Enjoyable (and Productive) Autumn Season

Stock up on your warm clothing. You don't want to procrastinate on this one, as you don't want a catch a cold. A Rainbreaker should be good enough, yet you're worried about where to get the money. If your folks can't help you on this, then you might consider the next item.

Find a part-time job. Money won't be an issue if you can find other ways of earning a little. Ask around. Don't be shy when you're struggling to make that first step to the Careers Office. Internship is another way, but it might torn you. The work experience would be the most important thing (if you choose this one), yet keep in mind that you need cash. You might end up quite disappointed, as you're yearning for a night out with your mates. Make a decision or go to the next item.

Loaf (and don't worry about the time). You're on a holiday, so your sleeping hours should be the only thing you must worry about. You can oversleep, but don't do it often. It might make you more lethargic than you feel. And the break must be a short one.

Entertain yourself. You feel bad about the demise of the Hopman Cup, but you look forward to the clay-court season. You have been watching rugby whenever you have the chance. It's been months since you last enjoy watching a game of cricket with your mates. If all of these take off most of your time, then reading should do. Don't ever think of looking at the next set of books to study and read, as you don't want to take this activity seriously.

If you live near the sea, then check out the beach. You have studied the famous seas in literature, fiction or no fiction, and you would learn how this setup could change the course of the story, if not the destiny of the characters, in a fortnight or two. There's a likely chance that you would pen another paper on it, so get to know the sea better. It should help you get a higher mark next time.

Forget about social media. You miss your family, so you wouldn't mind being away from Facebook. (The assignment would be an exception, though.) Quality time should motivate you to study harder, and you would do the same thing if they ask it.

Set up a gathering with your coursemates. You have lots of free time. You could enjoy theatre during this short break, if not watch a movie. You won't mind about the ticket prize especially the latest theatrical productions. (You have studied Gothic fiction, and you have read comics during your spare time. You happen to be a film geek, so you're more than curious about Neil Marshall's version of “Hellboy”.) Don't have second thoughts about it.

Go home. Your folks may have told you about a relative(s), if not family friend(s), living not too far from where you study. You can't arrange a meeting until the break. Plan ahead.

Look for winter clothing. You have made it past the midway of fall, so you can feel the cold air. You struggle to make that adjustment, so you're excited about it. You didn't wear a sweater on the third (or fourth) day, which is fine. You're strong and invincible (or so you think). Hold that thought.

Continue your reading. You're supposed to take a break, so you won't be obsessed about timetabling. You must relax. Think about other things later.

What Happens Afterward

If you're a first-year student, then you should expect the melancholy that certain days of winter would bring to anyone. Then again, you have noticed the laidback attitude of the locals. It couldn't get worse. This positive view should help you get through the rest of the term. If you're in the second (or final) year, then don't fight it. You would be fine.

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