echo The hustle and bustle of student life is something not most of us are unfamiliar with. It can be exhausting and, at times, affect one’s mental health with how burdensome dealing with classes, unpredictable lecturers, sudden assignments, uncooperative group members and challenging exams. For the majority of Sunway’s degree students, they’ve recently obtained a period of freedom from these stressful concerns. Exam season has finally ended and students can ease a little and breathe a sigh of relief.
Nevertheless, having a break from all the flurry of activities during a semester might seem foreign to some. So, what do you actually do after exams? While some might have many things they would like to do to savour these moments of peace, they may be unsure on how to approach it or where to begin. Thus, Echo Media has come up with a flow of activities to post-exam ventures for students to act as a guide whenever you are free from exam season!
Kick Back and Unwind
At times, one has to understand that it is alright to put oneself first. The most imperative act that follows the end of exam season is undoubtedly self-care. During the whole semester, the most affected individual would be you, yourself. As such, what comes first is slowing down, taking a breath and even if no one else does this, give yourself a pat on the back and thank yourself for coming this far.
Varying individuals have varying methods of unwinding; if relaxing means lying down on bed the whole day and scrolling through the phone for you, then just do that. But, bear in mind that too much of anything can be detrimental to oneself, so go out once in a while, interact with your family and take things one at a time.
Self-care can be applied both mentally and physically. Mental wellness goes hand in hand with your physical well-being. If you are mentally fit, then it pushes you to carry out physical activities, and vice versa, if you feel healthy physically, it improves your overall mood as well. If you feel too burnt out after the exams or at the end of a semester, self-care is probably something that can help you get back up and stabilise your feelings.
To be physically fit, engage yourself in whichever physical activity that you genuinely enjoy: Hiking, going to the gym, cycling, swimming etc. Exerting yourself can be a method of relieving stress and getting rid of the toxins and negativity from your body and mind. Meditating can also be a means of calming your mind, just to breathe in and organise your thoughts.
Take long walks, read that book that you’ve been meaning to, have a good night’s sleep, catch up on assignments, and most importantly learn how to relax. The list down below encompasses all the activities related to self-care, broken down for you in a more understanding manner – to go along with what your mind and heart desires.
The Joyful Retreat
Hey, you know what’s a game-changer for beating stress after exams? Diving into activities you love, like hanging out with family and friends. Seriously, shaking things up with a change of scenery and breaking free from the usual routine does wonders for kicking stress to the curb. Picture this – whether you’re soaking up the sun on a tropical beach or getting lost in the serenity of nature, a vacation is like hitting the reset button. It’s the ultimate stress-buster, leaving exams and deadlines in the rearview mirror.
And get this – a vacation isn’t just a break; it’s a tangible pat on the back for your achievements. Imagine celebrating your success on a beach, in the mountains, or immersing yourself in a new culture. It’s like saying, “Hey, I did it!” and revelling in it with your favourite people. Plus, it’s not just about the mood boost; taking a breather actually sets you up for long-term productivity.
Now, travelling with your squad? That’s a whole other level of awesome. It’s not just about the sights; it’s about soaking in diverse perspectives, traditions, and ways of life. Your horizons? Consider them officially broadened. And here’s the kicker – these experiences aren’t just cool stories; they contribute big time to your personal growth and how you see the world.
But wait, there’s more. Hanging out with your crew isn’t just fun; it’s a power move. Better social skills? Check. Improved relationships? Double-check. Picture this: exploring new places, diving into local cuisine, or trying out wild adventures—all while creating memories that stick. And let’s not forget, stepping away from the daily grind means you’re in for some heart-to-hearts, bursts of laughter, and memories that last a lifetime. Especially when life gets wild, and you’re feeling the stress, a vacation becomes your comfort zone. Away from the hustle, you can truly connect with your peeps, strengthen those bonds, and soak up the support. So, think of vacations as not just a getaway but as a ticket to quality time, shared laughs, and building unbreakable connections.
Finally, taking a break after exams is critical for both, your mental and physical health. Going on vacation with family and friends after exams is a holistic investment in well-being, not just a leisurely escape. It is a time to recognize accomplishments, strengthen relationships, and recharge both physically and mentally. These post-exam vacations help people live a more balanced and fulfilling life, leaving them with fond memories and a renewed sense of purpose. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” as the saying goes, and a well-deserved vacation is an ideal antidote to the rigours of academic life.
Unveiling Passions
Guess what else is the silver lining to surviving exams? It’s the perfect time to dive headfirst into the world of self-discovery and chill vibes. Forget the textbooks and exams; now’s the chance to pick up some cool hobbies and kick back with your favourite TV shows and storybooks. The post-exam stretch is like a treasure trove for rediscovering or picking up new interests. Whether it’s painting, learning an instrument, or diving into a fresh genre of literature, this is the moment to do stuff that makes you happy. Trying out new things is like a shortcut to personal growth and living your best life.
And let’s talk about TV shows—they’re basically the modern-day leisure MVPs. After exams, you can catch up on all those episodes you missed during the study grind or check out the latest releases. Drama, sitcoms, documentaries—pick your poison for a well-deserved escape and some serious unwinding. Here’s the kicker – exploring interests and show-binging? Stress relief on steroids. It’s like a mental vacation where you can forget about exams for a bit. Laughter, drama, or just getting inspired—it’s therapy for your brain.
But hold up, there’s a way to make this even cooler. Set some goals for your chill time—finish a bunch of episodes, complete a book, or hit a milestone in your new hobby. Those little wins? They’re like power-ups for your self-esteem and motivation. And it gets even better—shared interests are like friendship glue. After exams, you can chat with your crew about your favourite shows or bond over newfound hobbies. It’s not just about the activities; it’s about building those social connections and making memories together.
In a nutshell, post-exams are your golden ticket to exploring new stuff and soaking in the joys of leisure. It’s about unwinding, reconnecting with what makes you tick, and diving into the world of entertainment and hobbies. So, forget the academic hustle for a bit; this is your canvas for self-discovery and building a life that’s balanced and fulfilling. Go ahead, embrace the chill!
Culinary Quests
Cafe hopping and exploring restaurants has been a trend that has been catching heat as of lately. It is quite understandable why many would enjoy searching for exciting cuisines and delectable treats especially when exploring with friends and family who share the same delight. Yet, making those delicacies can be equally or even more pleasing than you could imagine!
Depending on your liking and interest, baking and cooking can become something therapeutic as you progress in life—a hobby that you treasure and hold close to your heart. Imagine: standing in your kitchen, measuring the ingredients for a moist chocolate cake while blasting your favourite tunes and humming along—breathe in, and you’re able to take in the scent of melted butter and vanilla wafting through the air. Of course, the process is messy; you end up spilling the milk, tiny pieces of eggshell fall into the mixture and somehow or rather there’s flour in your hair. And yet, the perfectly moist chocolate cake that melts in your mouth tastes of sweet success.
Baking for your loved ones is also a means of portraying your gratitude towards them, for putting up with you throughout your arduous semester. Even if you can’t say the words, your actions will speak for you. Granted, you may fail a few times at first—especially in baking. Unlike cooking, where you can amend the food during the process by occasionally tasting it, baking does not apply as such. Once you’ve popped your cake, cookie, dessert etc. into the oven, it is hard to change the texture and taste.
If you are a beginner at both, do not fret. There are many websites and influencers available for your reference, guiding you step by step with detailed instructions. A common space to get cooking and baking recipes would be Samsung Food, formerly known as Whisk where varying people across the globe share their recipes and food ideas for you to pick and choose your preferred choice of meal. Additionally, there are more specific influencers—leaning towards experimental yet authentic Korean food would be doobydobap, a page run by a Korean who moved to US temporarily and now has a restaurant called Mija Seoul. If instead, you’d like to make simple and quick meals, you can take a look at TiffyCooks — a true foodie with a variety of dishes!
If you’re particular about what you’re consuming or sensitive to types of food, especially when it comes to baked delicacies, Fresh Bean Bakery is your go-to guide. For those who are vegan or vegetarian, you have to check out Brown Girl Vegan and The Foodie Takes Flight. Regardless, for more general recipes or a variety of cuisines, you can also take a look at Epicurious, The Kitchn Cooking School and of course, at AllRecipes and Genius Kitchen.
So, take a plunge; what’s the worst that could happen from trying? Occupying your time with cooking or baking can prove to be a useful skill in the future. You never know, you may even fall in love with cooking and baking!
Extracurricular Pursuits
Post exams are also a great opportunity to broaden your social circle by meeting fresh faces who share the same ideas and goals with you. Thus, joining a club or society be it in or outside of Sunway would present as a beneficial and productive activity to involve yourself in. Sunway has many clubs and societies tailored to a students’ taste. Without a doubt, you’ll be able to find one that appeals to your heart.
To put it simply, Sunway has multiple clubs and societies broken down into a few categories for students to easily pursue their interests. Firstly, there are student leadership bodies, which include Sunway Echo Media as well! Leadership bodies act as representatives of Sunway University and College and are the intermediaries between students and the management. While we are more formal, there are branches of other clubs—such as those from Arts & Music, Cultural and General Interest which organise regular events to bring together the Sunway community with common interests. Naturally, there are also degree-oriented societies — Accounting & Finance and Business. The leadership body, Sunway Sports Council (SSC), also leads multiple clubs under the Martial Arts and Sports categories. Besides that, there are service-oriented clubs such as Sunway’s Rotaract Club and Amnesty Club under Uniform /Affiliate including Religious clubs and societies. Do check out Student Life’s page on Clubs and Societies to learn more!
If you’d like to broaden your sphere, you can also try helping out at a pet shelter, orphanages, or an old folks’ home—essentially participating in volunteer work and helping out those in need. Besides helping out individuals, you can also volunteer for environmental societies or join student forums such as Model UN to discuss globally conscious issues and educate yourself on current happenings. AIESEC Sunway and Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) strive towards these goals of advising students and exposing them to international affairs.
True, a break is important. However, do not let it cease your growth as a student and an individual. Acquiring an excellent set of skills at this stage of your life, will certainly help one excel in life—be it academically, in a working environment, or socially. Learning from experience and developing those skills can begin from here as well.
Hence, don’t hesitate to put yourself forward—get to know people and learn from them. Relationships built today may become something you treasure and look forward to in the future. Most of all, delve deeper into your passion and have fun!
Navigating The Academic Horizons
After the exam chaos settles, we’re standing on the brink of a brand new semester, and who knows what challenges it’s got in store for us? First off, this post-exam downtime is golden for some self-reflection. Take a look back at the last semester—what worked, what needs tweaking? Being real with yourself sets the stage for a killer plan to boost study habits, nail time management, and overall crush it in the next semester. Before we dive back into the academic grind, it’s all about setting goals that actually make sense. Whether it’s locking in a specific GPA, staying on top of assignments, or being the class discussion MVP, clear goals are like your roadmap to success. Keeping it real with goals helps keep the fire alive and your eyes on the prize throughout the semester.
Now, about that study game—it’s gotta be strong. A solid routine is your secret weapon. Get that study schedule down, align it with classes, assignments, and exam prep. Consistency is the name of the game, giving you a deep understanding of your courses and saving you from the stress of last-minute cramming. And hey, Sunway has got your back with a ton of resources—libraries, academic advising, tutoring centres—it’s a goldmine. Familiarise yourself with these gems, use them, and watch your academic game reach new heights.
But here’s the real talk – success isn’t just about acing exams. It’s about keeping your mind and body in top shape. Commit to a balanced lifestyle – good sleep, regular exercise, and stress-busting techniques. A healthy you means better focus, more productivity, and resilience when the academic storms hit. You’re not in this alone. Building a squad—connecting with classmates, forming study groups, and talking to professors—that’s your support system. Teamwork makes the dream work, right? Collaborative learning not only helps you understand better but also makes the academic journey way more enjoyable.
Now, let’s talk about mindset. Embrace the growth mentality—the belief that dedication and hard work can develop your smarts and abilities. Challenges aren’t roadblocks; they’re opportunities for growth. Keeping a positive and resilient mindset is the secret sauce for academic success. Lastly, the exam game. It’s not about winging it. Develop strategies—break down the material, use active learning, and practice time management in mock exams. A well-thought-out plan boosts your confidence and performance when the big test day arrives.
In a nutshell, gearing up for the next semester is all about being proactive and strategic. Reflect on the past, set realistic goals, get that study routine locked in, tap into resources, keep your well-being in check, build a support system, embrace growth, and strategise for those exams. It’s like setting the stage for your own success story, with personal and academic growth as the grand finale. Ready for the adventure? Let’s do this!
Epilogue
Overall, the period following exams is not just a breather; it’s a valuable and well-deserved opportunity for individuals to engage in activities that contribute to their overall well-being, personal growth, and enjoyment of life. Whether it’s taking a break with family and friends, exploring new interests, catching up on favourite shows, or gearing up for the next semester, these endeavours play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
By prioritising relaxation, reflection, and self-discovery during this post-exam time, individuals not only recharge their mental and emotional batteries but also set the stage for continued success in their academic and personal endeavours. Embracing a holistic approach to post-exam activities allows individuals to emerge from this period refreshed, inspired, and ready to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Ultimately, it’s about striking a balance between the demands of academic life and the need for personal rejuvenation. The post-exam phase serves as a crucial interlude, allowing individuals to celebrate achievements, learn from experiences, and prepare both mentally and physically for the adventures that await on their academic and personal journeys. It’s not just a conclusion to exams; it’s a stepping stone to a refreshed and empowered self, ready to conquer whatever comes next.
Remember, it’s crucial to find a balance between relaxation and productivity during your post-exam period. Allow yourself some time to unwind, but also use the opportunity to engage in activities that contribute to your personal and professional growth.
Written By: Poorani & Tisya
Edited By: Ruby
