The university Easter holidays in 2024 falls between late March and early April. While it’s an egg-citing period to kick back and unwind, it can also be a great time to get ahead of your studies or earn some extra cash. Read our guide on the top things to do during the Easter holidays and make the most of your break.
8 Things To Do During Easter Break
Hot cross buns, chocolate eggs and bunny costumes – Easter’s nearly here. For uni students, it also means warmer weather, longer lie-ins and Netflix binge sessions.
The university Easter holidays in 2024 falls between late March and early April and can last three to five weeks depending on your uni and course.
While it’s an egg-citing period to kick back and unwind, it can also be a great time to get ahead of your studies or earn some extra cash.From city trips to volunteering, read our guide on the top things to do during the Easter holidays and make the most of your break.
1. Explore your uni city
With up to five weeks off, the Easter break is a great opportunity to explore beyond the student village of your uni city. The world’s your oyster, so take this time to visit tourist attractions, uncover hidden gems and get acquainted with the area.
If you want to make a day of it, why not explore somewhere new? Coastal towns like Southampton and Bournemouth make perfect holiday destinations to enjoy some sea and sand for a short while.
But if you’d rather stay close to home, keep an eye out for activities and things to do over the Easter weekend in your area. Day festivals, spring fairs and Easter egg hunts are popular across the country. You might even find great deals and bargains at an Easter market.
2. Spend time with friends
It’s likely your friends branched off to different unis and you haven’t had much time to see them during term-time. You might’ve gotten by just fine with WhatsApp or FaceTime, but why not catch up in person over the Easter break?
Whether it’s at their uni accommodation or back at home, arrange a weekend to visit your old friends and spend some quality time together. It could also be great fun to visit the friends you’ve made at uni in their home town or city.
Or get your friends – old and new – to visit you and find some things to do in your city over the Easter holidays. Spend the day visiting a museum, going to the theatre or checking out some local parks.
3. Find an internship
It’s natural to think about your career options while at uni. Internships are the perfect gateway to gain firsthand experience, boost your CV and build professional connections.
If you want to get your foot in the door, spend some time over the Easter break doing an internship of your choice. There are several industries that offer internships for uni students – from marketing and engineering, to finance and healthcare.
Like the job world, internships can be competitive, so you’ll need to research and apply as soon as possible. Types of internships include:
Paid/unpaid internships
Part-time/full-time internships
Remote/in-office internships
Credit/non-credit internships
The 10,000 Interns Foundation offers a range of internships and training opportunities for uni students. Or check out GOV.UK and Prospects for resources.
4. Earn some extra cash with temp work
Weeks of budgeting can go out the window during the Easter break if you end up going out with your friends or ordering countless takeaways. Thankfully, you can earn some extra cash over the Easter holidays with a temp job.
Easter jobs for students can include:
Waiting/waitressing
Receptionist
Bar staff
Retail sales assistant
Tutor
Events staff
Barista
You might even find a reliable job on your uni campus, such as:
Library assistant
Student ambassador
Resident assistant
Admin assistant
Hospitality staff
Student content creator
Visit your careers service or student job shop to find a temp job that works for you. It could also turn into a part-time job for the next term. Just make sure to balance work and study to get the most out of your uni experience.
5. Get ahead of your studies
It won’t be long before the Easter holidays come to an end and exam season kicks in. But don’t panic! Dedicating some time to study during the break can help you get ahead.
The holidays tie into reading week at university. These are an important part of your academic calendar, usually falling in the middle of each semester. It’s a chance to tick off your reading list, get feedback from tutors, borrow library books and use your uni’s resources during quieter periods.
It’s not the most appealing pastime, but hey – at least you can study from the comfort of your home or on a sun lounger if you’re on staycation. Dreading revision? Check out our university exam revision tips to take the stress away from study time.
6. Try volunteering
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things to do during Easter break. Not only does it enhance your CV, but it also allows you to give something back to the community.
There are several websites and resources that make it easy to find volunteering opportunities in your local area. So, if there’s a cause or charity that you’re passionate about, chances are you can volunteer for it.
Volunteering can also help you gain work experience. If you’re interested in industries like law, IT or marketing, you might find the Easter break helpful to hone in on specific skills and prepare for a job after your degree.
There are also charitable companies that don’t require too much of your free time – from mentoring and dog walking to conservation work.
7. Refresh your space with a spring clean
What better time to spring clean than in – you guessed it – spring? Cleaning isn’t one of the most inviting things to do during Easter break, but a tidy home is a tidy mind – and the last thing you need is a cluttered space.
Having a clear out of your uni accommodation can help you to keep an uncluttered space and allow you to feel more organised in the long run. The Easter break could be the perfect chance to take stock of your things and find unwanted belongings that might earn you some extra cash.
Websites like Vinted, Depop and eBay make it easy to sell your old things for cash. Or you could go old school and throw a car boot sale with your friends or family to really make a day of it.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be a solo job. If you and your flatmates are staying at uni for Easter, think of sharing accommodation cleaning duties.
8. Get active
Students don’t always have the healthiest diet, and with deadlines and exams eating up your term time, it’s likely exercising took a back seat.
During Easter break, you could join a sports club to keep fit and healthy. Or, if you’re a Unite Students resident, take advantage of the on-site student gym equipped with free weights, cardio machines and more.
If you enjoy the outdoors, the UK has plenty of walking and cycling routes where you can enjoy stunning landscapes while getting some cardio in. They also make the perfect activity for family and friends if you’re at home for the Easter break.
