4 Practical Things To Do During a College Break

Hi guys,

Yes! I said I was on a break. No! I’m not fully back. I just felt to share these helpful tips for those in the tertiary institutions who have been affected by the #ASUU Strike.

Here’s a quick explanation for my foreign readers, I’m all the way in Nigeria by the way, many Universities here are currently on a mandatory break as the Academic Staff Union of Universities has declared an indefinite strike. Read more about the union here.

So I decided to share helpful tips and suggestions for the affected students so they can make the best of this compulsory break. Strikes are a regular part of the educational system here in Nigeria and many students actually expect it to happen sometime or the other. Many of them span over a long time, the last one went on for about 6 months.

During this period, many students laze about and forget to study with hopes that schools will resume for the session in no time. Here are 4 things you could do to make the best of the loooooonnnnggg (hopefully it’s called off soon) break.

Yeah! This might sound cliche yet if you know how long these strikes last you should really consider this. You could intern at a firm or do some freelancing, depending on the skills you have. It’s also a great way to make some extra cash and even get the work experience that would look great on your CV.

Personal Experience – During the 6 month’s strike (July – December 2013), I worked at my father’s firm and it was quite an experience. I wouldn’t lie though I didn’t take it seriously then. So, don’t be like me. Make the best use of your time while you have it.

Yup! Another Cliche that makes a whole lotta sense. When someone says “skill” in this part of the world the first things that might come to mind are “tailoring”, “make-up artistry”, “photography”.

Well, those aren’t the only skills out there. The skill doesn’t necessarily have to be a “handwork”. Have you considered “Graphic Design”, “Web design”, “Coding”, “Digital marketing”? There are a ton of skills to learn out there and some even come with certification. Another CV booster.

Personal Experience – I took the time out to learn how to sew from my Mom. How did it turn out? Let’s just say I know how to thread a sewing machine needle, pedal and sew a straight line. Don’t be like me, learn a skill you’ll enjoy doing.

So working and learning sounds monotonous or boring? It’s fine. We all need a break anyway. So why not take time out to travel (if you can afford it) or just visit that tourist site you’ve been planning to go to. You could invite other friends to tag along and make the best of the situation.

Personal Experience – My family and I visited the popular Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Ogun State. It was also a fun experience, I probably wouldn’t have gone with them if I were in school. I just might put up a throwback photo on my Instagram page, so follow me there.

Did you know? – The highlighted text are clickable links so click one right now.

So, while some are agitating for the strike to be over others want it to extend for a while so they can just sit back, relax and take a break from the busy school routine. If you fall into this category you might as well eat, sleep, relax, spend time on social media and keep waiting till the higher authorities call this thing off.

Also, don’t forget to study while you’re relaxing and having all the fun.

Personal Experience – At a point in time, All I did was eat, sleep, relax, repeat. Did I add some weight? We just might never know.

So that’s it guys, these are the tips I believe would be helpful to someone.

Kindly drop yours and help someone today.

Also, share this with someone who truly needs it.

P.S – I chose to use “College” rather than “University” because I resonate with the American style as opposed to the British definition.

Till next time,

(When Inspiration Hits)

WanShyGirl.