6 productive things students can do over school break

School breaks are often seen as a time to unwind—and rightly so. After weeks or months of assignments, exams, and long nights, taking a breather is essential. But in between the Netflix binges and late mornings, breaks also offer a rare chance to get ahead without the usual pressures of school life.Being productive doesn’t mean filling every minute with work. Instead, it’s about using part of your free time to invest in yourself—your goals, your future, or even your peace of mind. Here are six things you can do over break that balance rest with meaningful growth.

Update your resume or portfolio

Whether you’re preparing your college applications or planning for internships after school ends, your resume is often the first impression you make. A school break is the perfect time to refresh it. Add any new experience you’ve gained, such as campus projects, volunteer work, or academic achievements. If you’re in a creative or tech field, consider updating your portfolio as well—organise your best work, clean up your layout, and make it presentable for future opportunities.Even if you’re not actively applying yet, having an updated resume on hand saves time and reduces stress when deadlines come around.

Learn a new skill

Short online courses are ideal during breaks. They’re often self-paced, and you can dip in and out as your schedule allows. Whether it’s learning Excel, coding, public speaking, graphic design, or even budgeting—small skills can compound over time.Platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning, and even YouTube offer free or affordable options. Choose something that genuinely interests you or aligns with your long-term goals. Bonus: You can add these completed courses to your LinkedIn profile or resume.

Shadow a professional or volunteer locally

Breaks are a great time to test-drive career interests. Shadowing a professional in a field you’re curious about can offer clarity you won’t get from textbooks or career websites. Even a day or two can give you insight into whether a path is right for you.If shadowing isn’t possible, volunteering is another valuable way to gain experience and give back. Many nonprofits and community groups welcome extra help during school holidays, and volunteering can also expand your network and build soft skills like teamwork and communication.

Declutter and organise your digital life

It’s not glamorous, but organising your digital space can save you serious time later. Use your break to clean up your desktop, sort files into folders, delete unused apps, and back up important documents.Go through your inbox and unsubscribe from newsletters you never read. Organise your notes from last semester so they’re easy to access for future reference or finals. You’ll start the next term with a clearer mind and a more efficient setup.

Read something out of academic syllabus

Academic reading is often fast and functional—just enough to prep for an exam or finish a paper. During your break, try reading something for yourself. It doesn’t have to be a classic or a self-help bestseller (unless that’s your thing). Fiction, memoir, essays, long-form journalism—anything that expands your worldview or simply offers a good story can be mentally refreshing.Reading outside of assignments improves critical thinking and writing skills almost by accident. Plus, it’s one of the few productive things that also feels like a true break.

Reflect and plan for the next term

School breaks are the ideal time to check in with yourself. What worked well last semester? What didn’t? Are your current habits helping or holding you back? Take some time to journal or think through your academic and personal goals.If you’re feeling ambitious, you can map out major deadlines for the next term, organise your calendar, or set a few small goals—like joining a campus club, applying for scholarships, or taking more regular study breaks.Even a loose plan can help you feel more in control when classes resume.Productivity doesn’t have to mean hustle. Using your break to grow in small, intentional ways can make a big difference—without ruining the restful spirit of vacation. With a little planning, you can return to school refreshed and more prepared than ever.