By Izzud deen Redzuan
So the examination result is already out. Congratulations everybody. Some of us are back in IIUM campus to continue with our studies during the short semester. Yet, many will continue to enjoy this semester break.
The first week at home must be really fun and enjoyable to see our beloved family members. But later most of us would start thinking about what to do during the rest of the weeks to occupy our free time and to kill boredom.
Therefore, I have came up with nine suggestions on how to make the best of the time during the break to benefit us all before the next semester starts.
1. Visit family and friends
If you are like me who study abroad where you have to fly to get here, it is a good opportunity to go back home to visit your family and friends, who have missed you during the past 5 months. Spending time with them can strengthen relationship especially when breaking fast during Ramadhan and visiting your relatives during Eidul Fitri celebration.
2. Pack, Set and Go!
Get some cash left in your bank account for post-exams celebration? If yes, then grab some friends, start your car and head off to any beautiful place. Enjoy as much as you can. If you don’t have a car then it is not a big problem since in this country, there’s plenty of transportation modes such as bus, train, ferry, boat and aeroplane. Moreover, the language is not a problem too since all of us understand Malay. I have seen several promotions published in IIUM Online, why don’t you take a look at it?
3. Learn new skills
Your mother has been with you the whole life. She is the one, who prepared your meals, who stitched your clothes, who baked your birthday cake and many more. So, why don’t you accompany her to do those things and learn the skill. For instance, let’s learn how to cook and do bakery. Get some simplest recipe from your mother or the internet and try them. If it’s good then serve it to your family and you may sell them since Eidul Fitri is coming over.
Another thing you can do is to learn to use new software in your computer. Learn how to work on Photoshop and Vegas Pro. You can learn anything you want. It can be photography or even how to play guitar. Your learning will pay off someday in the future and who knows you may have great hidden talent without you realising it.
4. Do chores
Who said doing chores are boring? It also can keep you fit and healthy since doing chores involve many exercises. Now, put favourite track list on your MP3 player and start helping your beloved mother doing some chores and enjoy it. Who knows your mother will be pleased with your actions and in return she will give you something. Hey, do it for God’s sake and don’t expect something in return. Haha..
5. TV and movies marathon
Indeed, this is time wasting. Who does not love to sit and eat pop corns while enjoying all series of Harry Potter, Star Wars, Grey’s Anatomy, House and many more? Or, you can just buy a CD or download those movies and TV series that you have missed.
6. Reading
Do you still have the BR1M, the book voucher? Why not grab a few books and novels then get yourself lost in their world or you can read those books which remained unread. Save a lot of money though. Through reading, you can learn more about your own culture and the culture and social life of others as well. I have already finished reading two novels so far, how about you?
7. Writing
Have you ever thought of writing short stories, poems or even novels? This is your time to show your creativity. One of my juniors has written some poems and eventually a book company has offered to publish her poems. There are a number of social networks that can be used as a medium for that like Tumblr, Blogspot, WordPress and Facebook. Start writing now and share some of your thoughts. Well, that’s what I’m doing now.
8. Call your friends and talk for hours
Those who like to talk, this is a great way for you to bury your boredom. Nowadays you can use Skype and this is even better than calling through hand phone. Call some close friends whom you haven’t met for ages or who’re also in their semester break.
9. Find a job
Having a job during semester break is a great way to earn some extra cash. You can be a part-time teacher, a cashier, a promoter, a farmer or even a driver. However, this may not be the most exciting option, but it’s a kind of responsibility you have to consider taking on sooner or later. If you’re looking for a job, choose the location that is close to your house. You may save budgets for transportation and meals.
Suggestion
You may have other suggestions. Make a bucket-list during the semester break and point out the things you want to do that would be to your utmost benefit. Have an enjoyable break!
Photo courtesy of Picjumbo