Reading week or dreading week?

Every year when this week rolls around I find myself debating what to do with a whole week of freedom. No lectures, no seminars, no workshops, just me, myself and all of the reading I haven’t done yet. So, what should I do with this week off? Like most people I contemplated going home, sucking up the extortionate train prices and heading back to the land of free food and washing but then I saw how much work I had to do and thought can I really afford to waste 10 hours travelling up and then down the country? So I asked around and found that more and more of my friends were opting for a week in Sheffield without all the stress of university. 

If you are staying here instead of going home, or even worse, you don’t get a reading week, then here are a few of my favourite things to do in Sheffield that are very achievable regardless of how much time you have. Number 1 on my list is definitely sleep, I plan to induce my own coma and be in my bed the majority of my week off. I have some serious sleep debt to make up and what better time to do that when I don’t have to be up for 9 am lectures? Aside from sleeping, I have some plans to spend more time in the kitchen and ditch microwavable rice for properly home-cooked meals. Now is a great time to try out some new recipes when you’re not rushing around constantly. The same goes for baking which I have found is a great way to get to know the neighbours, especially if they can’t bake and return the favour through drinks, not to mention I don’t have to walk to the shops for a sweet treat! Get on Pinterest or try your best to recreate your favourite takeaways for half the price.

In between procrastinating my reading and procrastinating my upcoming project, I will also be soaking in the last of the autumn views through some of Sheffield’s most beautiful parks. I am always drawn to the botanical gardens and Weston Park for their gorgeous scenery so before it gets too cold and all the leaves drop off you will probably find me there. Then let’s not forget about all the shops in Sheffield, now that I’ve saved so much on a train ticket girl maths dictates that I have money to spend. From vintage shops on Division Street to The Moor, Sheffield is packed with great shops which is always fun. If you’re new to the city this is a great way to get your bearings and explore a little further. While you’re in town you should check out one of the various markets that are always appearing, there’s always something new happening. There's also a whole host of fun things from mini golf to Lego cafes, find something new and make it a week to remember!

If the train ticket isn't the issue, but the whole "going home" issue why not take the time to visit a friend or sibling at another uni or wherever they have gone off this year? Catch up and explore a different part of the country you haven't seen yet.

Whatever you do with the week, I hope you find time for yourself and rest and maybe try and fit in some of your reading as well (optimistic thinking there).