A Student's Guide to the Best Bank Holiday Ever
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Bank holidays are essentially student gold. No 9am starts or 6pm finishes, just a free day to reset, recharge, and maybe have some fun too. From first year starters to the old guard of postgraduates, this short bank holiday guide will help you make this one the best ever.
Why Bank Holidays Matter for Students
Let’s be real for a second: university life is intense. Between juggling assignments with part-time jobs and questionable sleep schedules, a bank holiday is something of a free pass to live your best life for 24 hours.
There’s plenty of reasons to love a bank holiday. Perhaps none more so than them simply being an excuse to do whatever you want and catch up with some friends. If you’re after a little more adventure, check out the days out section of our blog for some more adventurous student bank holiday activities you and your pals can get stuck into.
Plan Like a Pro: Don’t Let the Day Slip By
Of course, spontaneity is often fun, but a little planning can go a long way in making your day a success. Start by asking yourself what you actually want from your bank holiday weekend, as well as who you want to spend it with. Then, you can look more closely at some of the things going on in the city that you might want to take part in.
Some quick wins planning wins:
- Enjoying an event hosted by your uni or student union.
- Searching Eventbrite or Social Media for inspiration.
- Inviting friends from other cities to stay over.
Best Budget-Friendly Bank Holiday Ideas for Students
You really don’t need to spend loads of money on trying to make a bank holiday memorable. Some of the best things you can cost little to nothing at all, and there’s something for all vibes.
Chill Vibes
- Picnic in your local park (bring snacks, not pressure)
- Movie marathon with a fun twist – everyone in the group picks a film
- DIY spa day in your student accommodation (cucumber eyes, anyone?)
Social Vibes
- Host a themed games night: retro games, mocktail mix-offs and novelty quizzes are all good fun.
- Take a trip – we’re thinking coastal vibes or a countryside atmosphere.
- Organise a ‘bring a board night’ with a theme relevant to your friend group.
Find the Fun in Your Own City
Being a tourist in your own city is often one of the best ways to discover the best activities you never you knew you existed. Whether it’s trying independent cafés and food markets, or finding a new mural you heard got painted last week, there’s something new to discover in almost every city in the UK on a daily basis.
For International students in particular, this is your moment to really soak up some culture – from pub quizzes to cream teas in a museum, there’s so much to see and do (and it’ll help you get used to some of the quirkier things going on in your city).
Bank Holiday Travel Tips (That Don’t Break the Bank)
Public transport can be a nightmare on bank holiday weekend, but with these handy tips you can avoid the stress and focus on enjoying yourself.
- Book trains in advance and always use your railcard (don’t waste that discount!)
- Consider booking coach travel for longer journeys.
- Travel in a group and split fares in taxis.
- Stay overnight with friends or search for cheap hostels.
If you’ve ever thought about going on a solo trip, a bank holiday could be the best excuse for it. Head somewhere small, like York or Bath – for a walkable day and aesthetically pleasing trip.
Don’t forget: Self-Care is a Plan Too
Sometimes, all you need on a free day is the opportunity for a mental and physical reset. So, take the pressure off and use the bank holiday Monday to:
- Catch up on sleep
- Prep some meals for the week ahead
- Organise your life (a tidy workspace can mean a clear mind)
- Reflect, journal or plan your monthly schedule
These simple yet productive tasks are an ideal method of ensuring your day is used to the max without burning yourself out.
As you can see, a bank holiday is all about giving yourself the chance to do exactly what you want to. So, whether you’re planning on going on an adventure, staying in to sort, or seizing the moment to try something new, with this easy bank holiday guide you can plan it how you want it.
Now, go enjoy that long weekend. You’ve earned it.
