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Take advantage of the fact that most students have gone home. The University campus is calm and quiet during these months, making it an enjoyable place for deep concentration. No more running around trying to snatch the last available table! There’s plenty of study spaces available.

Here in LUU, you can enjoy the comfortable seating in the Foyer, the Union Square, and on the balcony. If you’re a PGR student – the PGR Lounge is waiting for you. Our food venues – Terrace, Common Ground, Old Bar and Scream – are still open, and they’re quieter than usual. What could be better than getting cosy in Terrace with your laptop, and rewarding yourself with some pizza? Or fueling a productive study session with coffees from Common Ground? Or enjoying the flavours of summer in Scream?

Remember to catch some sunlight too! There’s plenty of seating available outside LUU. Who wouldn’t be inspired, reading in the sun, surrounded by the campus bunnies? And, when you need to clear your mind and stretch your body, take a stroll along the campus and say hi to the fish, the ducks and the heron in the Roger Stevens Pond.

Maybe your housemates have moved out and you’re away from your family. Maybe you’re having to cancel plans with friends to prioritise studies. We’ve all been there! This might even be your first summer in Leeds or in England, which could feel isolating.

Spending too much time alone is never good for your mental wellbeing. So perhaps it’s a good idea to seek out spaces where you can do your studies around other people – even if it’s strangers. Leeds is home to so many cafes – why not switch up your routine and pick up a new study spot for a day?

You can also check out community-led spaces like Left Bank Leeds. It is a popular destination for students to chill out and study in an inspiring environment (it truly is beautiful!). Besides, they host a variety of creative events where you can come along to take a break, try something new, connect with the local community, and maybe make some friends.

There are many incredible and quirky bookshops around Leeds. University libraries don’t have all the answers, so perhaps it’s worth expanding your search. For example, have you been to the queer indie bookshop ‘The Bookish Type’? And did you know that there’s a bookshop on a boat in the docks called ‘Hold Fast’?

Learning isn’t all about reading though, and it is a good idea to mix it up sometimes. There are many museums and galleries across Leeds, and they host a variety of exhibitions and events to keep your curiosity satisfied. Why not take a look at what they have to offer, and immerse yourself in new forms of expanding your mind? There might even be an exhibition which is linked to your research! From upcycled furniture and tattoo art, to archaeology tours and explorations of death – there’s so much to discover!

Okay, you might be busy with your studies, but it’s summer – let’s try to get outside, shall we?

Only have an hour to spare? Explore Leeds! There’s a beautiful walk to take along the canal – in either direction. And how about the beautiful Kirkstall Abbey? Or one of the many parks? – there’s more green spaces in Leeds than Hyde Park, you know!

If you want a day out, just hop on your preferred mode of transport (don’t forget to use your student discount!) and explore gorgeous Yorkshire. There’s so many beautiful villages (have you heard of Knaresborough?) and towns an hour or so away. Looking for something exciting or vibrant? Try Sheffield or Manchester. Or is your heart set out to something more quirky and whimsical? Then York is the place to be!

Finally, we can’t forget nature. Summer is the perfect time to unwind in the green Yorkshire fields, hills and parks. Picnic, anyone? Or, perhaps you’re more of an adventurous hike type of person!

Lastly, don’t forget that you’re not alone. We, at LUU, are still around throughout the summer. Pop in to speak to our Help & Support team if you have any concerns or questions, or if you’re simply looking for someone to talk to.

Make LUU your home – take a break in Crossroads, or treat yourself in any of our shops and eateries. If you are struggling financially, visit Essentials to pick up some food and toiletries. Also, we are still running a programme of wellbeing events, like meditation and yoga, so you know where to go to relax your body and mind!

You’ve got this!