Map Oxbridge Applications, 14 – 16 Waterloo Place, London, SW1Y 4AR
Search Search
CART 0

Christmas Break or Study Break? Navigating the Festive Season in your University Application Year

Explore strategies for making the most of this holiday season for both study and relaxation.

The festive season is upon us, bringing joy, festivities, and a well-deserved break from the rigours of academic life. For applicants to top UK universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge, who have successfully completed their applications and interviews, finding the right balance between enjoying the winter break and reflecting on the application journey or focusing on academics ahead of next year’s exams is crucial. Let's explore strategies to make the most of this holiday season without compromising your well-earned sense of accomplishment.

 

APPLYING TO OXFORD OR CAMBRIDGE? 

Our Oxbridge Private Consultations provide in-depth evaluation, strategy and next steps to achieve results for your university application. Suitable for those aged 14 upwards.

Book a consultation

Embrace the Festive Spirit

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, the winter break is a time for celebration, relaxation, and spending quality moments with family and friends. Embrace the spirit, recharge your energy, and take a well-deserved break from the intensity of the application process. Reflect on the dedication you've put into crafting your application and, if you have done, sitting interviews, and enjoy the holiday season with a sense of accomplishment.

Reflect and Recharge

Take this time to reflect on the journey you've undertaken during the application process. Celebrate the hard work you've put into crafting the perfect personal statement, preparing for admissions tests,  navigating interviews. Use the break to recharge your mind and spirit, ready for the next steps in your academic journey.

Stay Informed Virtually

Although you've completed your interviews, many universities offer online resources, virtual campus tours, and information sessions for applicants or, when the time comes, offer holders. Staying informed about your prospective universities can provide valuable insights into the academic and social aspects of university life, fostering a deeper connection to your future alma mater. Furthermore, as and when offers come through, having as good an idea of each university as possible will help you when it comes to narrowing down your firm and insurance course choices.

Seek Guidance from Mentors 

Consider reaching out to teachers, mentors, or university application consultants during the break. Share your success and discuss your plans for the future. Their insights can be invaluable as you transition from the application phase to potentially receiving offers and making decisions about your academic path. Use all the information you can, plus the time away from school over the winter break, to construct the best strategy possible for the next stage of decision-making.

Undertake Steady Revision and Keep Up with Your Studies

Finding the right balance is about enjoying the Christmas break without losing sight of your academic ambitions. Take breaks, enjoy any festive traditions you keep, and appreciate the time spent with loved ones, but also be sure to stay on top of your academic studies ahead of exams next year. We recommend undertaking a little bit of revision, homework, or self study each day, rather than leaving it all to cram at the last minute in the new year! Perhaps wake up an hour earlier to have some quiet time for revision before family activities begin for the day? Maybe revise in the car or on the train as you visit family and friends? Whatever your winter break schedule is, we recommend using dead time or building in an hour or two every day to keep your studies ticking over. This is especially the case if your school has mock exams in the new year; you want to be as prepared as possible to make the most of the experience!

As the Christmas break approaches, embrace the opportunity to unwind, recharge, and celebrate your accomplishments during the application process. Simultaneously, maintain a reflective approach as you transition from the intensity of applications to the anticipation of potential offers. Furthermore, by building a little bit of time a day into our routine for revision or self-study, you can keep on top of your courses and be ready to hit the ground running academically once school comes back around. By finding the right balance, you can make the most of this festive season while looking forward to the exciting next steps in your academic future. Cheers to a harmonious and well-deserved break!

 

Download our complimentary resource

Since 1999, we have been industry-leading experts in applying to Oxbridge. Our free E-book, "So you Want to Go to Oxbridge? Tell me About a Banana…", provides up-to-date advice on how to prepare, drawing on the experiences of successful Oxbridge graduates.

RECENT ARTICLES

Read More

Exercising Self-Care During School or University Exams

Read More

Our Experts’ Tips for a Productive Easter Holidays

Read More

Changes To Cambridge A-Level Requirements For 2025 Applicants

Oxbridge Advice

Need advice or guidance on a future Oxbridge application? See what our expert consultants could do for you by calling for bespoke, impartial advice.

Contact Us
Oxbridge Applications Logo

Our Oxbridge-graduate consultants are available between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday, with additional evening availability when requested.

Oxbridge Applications, 14 – 16 Waterloo Place, London, SW1Y 4AR

Who We Are
Students
Schools
Resources
Social
Social

Site by i3MEDIA
Close

Recently Updated Blogs

blog Exercising Self-Care During School or University Exams

Exercising Self-Care During School and University Exams As exam season approaches, the pressure mounts, and the temptation to push yourself to the limit can be all-consuming. But amidst the whirlwind of revision notes and practice papers, it's crucial to prioritise your well-being. Taking care of yourself isn't just a luxury;…

blog Our Experts’ Tips for a Productive Easter Holidays

Our Experts' Tips for a Productive Easter Holidays As the Easter holidays approach, students find themselves at a crucial juncture in their academic journeys. Whether you're in the final stretch of your A-levels, gearing up for university applications, or navigating the waters of GCSEs, this break offers valuable time for…

blog Changes To Cambridge A-Level Requirements For 2025 Applicants

Changes to Cambridge Entry Requirements Big news from Cambridge University! The renowned institution has recently updated its admission policies for the 2025 entry cycle. Aiming to strengthen its reputation for academic excellence, Cambridge has revised its grade requirements and offers for prospective students. This adjustment reflects the university's ongoing commitment…

blog How Will My GCSEs Impact My University Applications?

How Will my GCSEs Impact my University Application? For many students, the thought of university often feels like a distant dream, especially when navigating the challenges of GCSEs. These foundational exams, undertaken in the early years of secondary education, may seem worlds apart from the lofty halls of academia awaiting…

blog Which A-levels Should I Take?

Which A-Levels should I take? As you say goodbye to GCSEs and march onwards into your final two years of school, you will inevitably be faced with the task of deciding which subjects you want to study at A-level. Whilst you’ve probably had a little bit of practice already when…

Added to cart

View Cart