For all the co-op students out there who have a lot of spare time after their 9-5 schedule, now is the perfect time to pursue the hobbies and passions that you normally don’t have time for during your school term. While you have some free time, don’t waste it – try doing something productive, so that you regret nothing when you head back to study. Here are five things you can do during your co-op term:
1. Go through your to-read list
Do you have a list of books that you’ve always wanted to read, but have never had the time to indulge your reading thirst during school? Well, now’s the perfect time to either visit the library, or get some ebooks and read to your heart’s content. Having a book to read is also the perfect time-waster for when you need to endure long commute times, or waiting in any situation. Plus, it’s productive procrastination, because at least you’re learning something amiright?
2. Spend a weekend having a Netflix marathon
You no longer need to feel guilty for marathoning your favourite Netflix series now that you’re on co-op, because what else is there to do? Go ahead – make some popcorn, jump in bed, turn on that laptop, and tune into that show! Enjoy yourself, after all, it’s worth treating yourself to guilty pleasures now that you’ve landed a good co-op placement ☺
3. Start a new hobby
Ever wanted to learn a new instrument? Make crafts? Learn how to better edit your Instagram photos? The time to do that is now! Spend 2-3 hours each day practicing whatever it is that you want to learn and you’ll find that you’ve developed your skill after a month into the term. Although you probably won’t be perfect, at least you’re trying and it’s the effort that counts.
4. Be more active
Many students – including myself – are terrible at balancing academics with a healthy lifestyle. During my study term, I went to the gym for a maximum of three times in the first month of the term, and got “too busy” to work out after that. While you have a few spare hours after work, I recommend that you give your body the exercise that it needs.
5. Try new recipes
If your cooking abilities are limited to Kraft Dinner, it might be a good time to try out some new recipes and see what you can learn while you actually have the time to cook. Start small, like cooking some vegetable dishes, or making dessert. Then learn to cook some meat. Although you might not be able to become the next Gordon Ramsay that quickly, at least you can feed yourself a proper meal.