Stuff to do in the summer of Y13?

What's up everyone!

I'm planning on studying medicine in 2026 and am jumping the gun a bit to ask what everyone is doing for Y13 summer? I need some ideas for the free months after A levels.

Right now I know I want to do somethng big and fun because I lowkey wasted my GCSE one with small stuff (just went to the gym and stayed at home). I know I personally want to do some kind of travelling or camping/hiking expedition somewhere cool. Something cool with some friends is a must too.

Is it worth trying to learn some of the course beforehand to ease myself into it or something else?

Any comments would be much appreciated guys!

Reply 1

Scotland Yard

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by jobinj

What's up everyone!
I'm planning on studying medicine in 2026 and am jumping the gun a bit to ask what everyone is doing for Y13 summer? I need some ideas for the free months after A levels.
Right now I know I want to do somethng big and fun because I lowkey wasted my GCSE one with small stuff (just went to the gym and stayed at home). I know I personally want to do some kind of travelling or camping/hiking expedition somewhere cool. Something cool with some friends is a must too.
Is it worth trying to learn some of the course beforehand to ease myself into it or something else?
Any comments would be much appreciated guys!

The summer before uni, I went to the Lake District with family and it was fun. I then travelled around the UK, going down to Portsmouth, and then up to Scotland via York, but except for a detour I did for a friend's birthday, I travelled mostly alone - none of my friends were available :frown:

Definitely more fun to do things with friends, so try to arrange something with them. In my experience the earlier you ask the likelier people will say yes, else their calendars will start getting filled up and make it harder to arrange something together.

I wouldn't bother trying to learn about the course during the summer, except for maybe keep doing a small amount of academic reading in order to not lose the habit of studying, but only if you want to! The first few weeks of uni are mostly spent largely doing a recap of school stuff relevant to your degree so you do get eased into things at uni already, and anyways, it's your summer! You'll have just finished a very important stage of your life and I think that merits a well-earnt break from worrying about work and studying :smile:

Reply 2

offline.tal

The summer after my GCSES, I went on holiday with my family for three weeks. I spent rest of summer very bored because I had nothing to do. This summer after A-levels, I hope to go away again but it will only be for a couple weeks if I do. Most of my time will be filled with uni shopping and preparations, which will be fun

Reply 3

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Original post

by jobinj

What's up everyone!
I'm planning on studying medicine in 2026 and am jumping the gun a bit to ask what everyone is doing for Y13 summer? I need some ideas for the free months after A levels.
Right now I know I want to do somethng big and fun because I lowkey wasted my GCSE one with small stuff (just went to the gym and stayed at home). I know I personally want to do some kind of travelling or camping/hiking expedition somewhere cool. Something cool with some friends is a must too.
Is it worth trying to learn some of the course beforehand to ease myself into it or something else?
Any comments would be much appreciated guys!

Hi,

It’s great that you’re already thinking ahead and planning how to make the most of your summer after Y13.

For travel, anything goes! You could do a big trip, explore new cities, or even plan day trips by car, bus, or train to places you’ve never visited. Camping and hiking are also great ways to make memories, enjoy nature, and have a real break after A-levels. I’d recommend the Lake District, Peak District, and North Wales.

A part-time job can also be useful to save up over the summer, while giving you some independence and work experience.

If you want, having a light read of basic anatomy, or biology can be helpful, but it’s not essential, as everyone will be eased onto the course.

I’d also recommend picking up a new skill or developing an existing hobby. From sports, first- aid, cooking, learning new languages, or anything creative can be fun and rewarding.

Hope this helps,

Tayba
Student Rep

Reply 4

jobinj

Original post

by Scotland Yard

Definitely more fun to do things with friends, so try to arrange something with them. In my experience the earlier you ask the likelier people will say yes, else their calendars will start getting filled up and make it harder to arrange something together.
I wouldn't bother trying to learn about the course during the summer, except for maybe keep doing a small amount of academic reading in order to not lose the habit of studying, but only if you want to! The first few weeks of uni are mostly spent largely doing a recap of school stuff relevant to your degree so you do get eased into things at uni already, and anyways, it's your summer! You'll have just finished a very important stage of your life and I think that merits a well-earnt break from worrying about work and studying :smile:

Sounds good. I will start planning then! Have you got any tips for travelling alone because I might end up doing some anyway and I particulalry worried about cost side of it to be honest. I feel like I can handle the rest with time but any tips would be great!

Reply 5

Scotland Yard

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by jobinj

Righto, travelling alone: safety-wise, have someone back home aware of your travel plans and message them often - say, once a day, so they know you're alive and well. Mind your phone and wallet and always keep your wits about when you're in a new place.

Travelling cost-wise, the budget airlines are now offering dirt cheap tickets so that's a way to travel on the cheap, but I'd favour trains as more convenient and less stressful way of travelling, even if they might cost more. With trains, if you buy the tickets well in advance and being careful to choose the right time of day, they might also be cheap but these days a flight might be cheaper (if available for the journey you want to make). If you end up deciding to take the train, get yourself a 16-25 railcard or, if you're still eligible, the 16-17 railcard, for discounted train tickets. They're a bit pricey but well worth it.

Regarding where to stay on the cheap, look at hostels. You are paying for a very basic thing with them, literally a bed in a dorm room with other people, but they are dirt cheap and if you don't mind the risk of having noisy dorm-mates, well worth it. But if you don't want to, then a cheap hotel will do just fine, or maybe travel somewhere where you can crash with a friend or family.

Also, general tip: take advantage of travelling while you're young and a student. You get lots of discounts that way, so watch out for that! If you have a school ID bring that along for discounts :smile:

Reply 6

jobinj

Original post

by Scotland Yard

Righto, travelling alone: safety-wise, have someone back home aware of your travel plans and message them often - say, once a day, so they know you're alive and well. Mind your phone and wallet and always keep your wits about when you're in a new place.
Travelling cost-wise, the budget airlines are now offering dirt cheap tickets so that's a way to travel on the cheap, but I'd favour trains as more convenient and less stressful way of travelling, even if they might cost more. With trains, if you buy the tickets well in advance and being careful to choose the right time of day, they might also be cheap but these days a flight might be cheaper (if available for the journey you want to make). If you end up deciding to take the train, get yourself a 16-25 railcard or, if you're still eligible, the 16-17 railcard, for discounted train tickets. They're a bit pricey but well worth it.
Regarding where to stay on the cheap, look at hostels. You are paying for a very basic thing with them, literally a bed in a dorm room with other people, but they are dirt cheap and if you don't mind the risk of having noisy dorm-mates, well worth it. But if you don't want to, then a cheap hotel will do just fine, or maybe travel somewhere where you can crash with a friend or family.
Also, general tip: take advantage of travelling while you're young and a student. You get lots of discounts that way, so watch out for that! If you have a school ID bring that along for discounts :smile:

Thanks I'll keep this in mind!