How to Make the Most of Reading Week in Lancaster

2 Oct

Mid-semester week isn’t just for catching up on recorded lectures and reading through your notes, it’s a chance to reset, recharge and stay on track (without heading home).

Reading Week (mid-semester week) is just around the corner. For some Lancaster Uni students, that means the last week of October. For others, it’s the first week of November. c(heck your course timetable to be sure). While it’s very tempting to pack a bag and head home to see friends and family for a few days, there’s a lot to be gained by choosing to stay at Bailrigg Student Living and hanging out with your coursemates and flatmates for the week.

This mid-semester week is different to the “half terms” that you may have had at school, it's much more than just a breather, it’s your chance to get back on top of uni life, spend quality time with your flatmates and enjoy Lancaster in the autumn without the pressure of lectures. Whether you’re planning to revise, unwind or do a bit of both, we have pulled together some ideas of how to make the most of Reading Week without going anywhere.

Stay on Top of your Studies

Let’s get the serious stuff out of the way first, because Reading Week isn’t a holiday. You might not have scheduled lectures or seminars, but that doesn't mean that your deadlines and revision plans disappear. In fact, this can be one of the best weeks to get ahead of your course deadlines without the usual daily pressures.

At Bailrigg, our dedicated on-site study room means you don’t even need to leave the building to find a quiet, focused workspace. No coffee shop noises. No distractions. Just bring your laptop or ipad, some snacks and get stuck in.

If you fancy a change of scene, head into uni! The Lancaster University Library is open and usually a little quieter during Reading Week. Whether you're brushing up on notes or diving into your dissertation research, it’s a great place to work with a bit of background buzz knowing that you’re all in it together.

When is the best time to study?

Science says your brain is most focused and "teachable" between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm or 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm, so if you try and slot in your study sessions during these hours. That way, you will be more productive in a shorter period of time which means that you’ll have more time for a bit of fun.

Make the Most of Bailrigg's Communal Spaces

If you’re staying put for Reading Week, why not turn your flat into a little autumn hideaway?

When you're not studying, you could take advantage of Bailrigg’s communal kitchen or one of the wellbeing or lounging areas to chill out, cook together, play games, meditate and enjoy the slower pace of mid-semester life. It doesn’t take a big group to have a good time, even a casual night in with a couple of friends can make all the difference.

Here are some easy ideas:

Bake a pumpkin pie (or any autumnal treat, we are thinking american style cinnamon rolls or even a british classic, the apple crumble!)
Book the cinema room for a Halloween movie day. Why not pick Hocus Pocus, Coraline or if you’re feeling super brave The Conjuring
Have a ‘cook-off’ with your flatmates and challenge each other to make the best soup, stew or baked dish
Decorate the flat for Halloween. We are thinking pound shop tea lights, making some cardboard bats and using string to make fake cobwebs.

Enjoy Autumn in Lancaster

We think that theres something special about Lancaster in the autumn. The leaves are golden, the evenings are crisp and the city feels extra cosy. It's the perfect time for spontaneous adventures and calm dusk strolls.

We have pulled together a couple of low key, minimal effort activities you can enjoy during your mid-semester break:

Join a Halloween walking tour
Fancy a spooky evening? Lancaster’s guided ghost walks are running on 17th & 31st October, and 1st & 15th November, ideal for Reading Week evenings.
Visit the LUSU Farmers’ Market
Every Tuesday and Thursday on campus, you’ll find local street food, yummy baked goods and vintage stalls, perfect for a little midweek treat or coffee date.
Wander around Lancaster Castle or Williamson Park
Both are within walking distance from Bailrigg and great for a study break that feels like an adventure. Williamson Park is stunning in the autumn sunshine, especially with a hot drink in hand.
Catch a film at Dukes Cinema
This indie cinema usually has special screenings or Halloween classics during October and November. After a hard day's work it’s a nice way to unwind.

Balance is Key

If you strike the right balance between study time and chill out time, you’ll come out the other side feeling in control. Even one or two hours of focused studying per day is a great start, but don’t feel bad if you wake up and just want to enjoy some downtime.

The key is to keep momentum going without overdoing it. Whether you’re revising with a mate, baking with your flat or heading into town for a spooky walk don’t stress, Reading Week can be whatever you need it to be.