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How to Make the Most of Your Autumn Half Term

4 min read

October half term is just around the corner. With the weather turning cooler and the nights getting darker, one of the most popular October half term activities may well be to curl up on the sofa and just chill!

But there’s also so many other activities for half term that are productive, adventurous, and just fun. Here are our top picks! 

Let’s get into it… 


Productive October half term activities

Writing your CV or personal statement

Writing your CV or UCAS personal statement can often feel a little daunting. It might not be top of your list! You might even feel tempted to keep putting it off and off… until the very last minute. But if you’d like to start working on it, here's the best advice!

A fun-filled 30 minutes of tips and tricks to help you secure your first job. Watch it now.

A screenshot from the YouTube video, showing three young people sitting on a sofa, with text overlaid which says 'How do I get my first job


 And for some more tips...

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great thing to do as one of your October half term activities, and it has huge benefits — for both you and your community. 

Don’t just take our word for it… here’s what Elise from Writers’ Club has to say: 

Volunteering really does open up new horizons. It helps you learn about yourself and the way your actions have an impact on the world around you. I’ve gained so much from my volunteering experiences, and I’d love to do it again.” — Elise

 

Interested to find out more? Check out this Is It Time To Volunteer? article. 

Adventurous October half term activities

In the mood for some adventurous activities for half term? Then read on….

Sign up to an NCS experience

If you’re up for stepping outside your comfort zone and spending five days with other young people learning new skills, then why not sign up for an NCS experience? 

Abi did a Live It’ away from home experience in Bristol, and said:

I would definitely recommend NCS to anyone who asks me, as I learned a lot about myself. I learned to push myself even when I didn't want to, and I would 100% do it again if I could. I think we were such an amazing group of teens and the team leaders were so lovely. — Abi

 

Learn a new skill

Want to dive into something totally new this October half term? There are loads of different platforms out there to help you get creative, have some fun, and learn valuable new skills. Take a look at the (free!) ways you can expand your mind.

Relaxing October half term activities

Take some downtime!

The half term break is a good opportunity to give your mind and body a little relief. What that looks like is up to you. It could be:

  • Going out for a bike ride, a run, or just a brisk walk. 
  • Planning loads of October half term activities and then just curling up on the sofa and watching Netflix!
  • Doing some meditation or yoga to relax your mind.
  • Having a full-on pamper sesh with some mates.

Money-making October half term activities

Do some half term work experience 

Doing some work experience in the October half term can be a great thing to do — and lots of placements will pay you a wage. Whether it’s at a local company or online, doing half term work experience can help boost your confidence and give you new skills to brag about. 

Get an October half term job

Getting a part-time job can be a great October half term activity. You’ll earn a wage, plus you’ll:

  • Meet new people
  • Grow your independence
  • Learn to use your initiative

There are lots of half term jobs for 16-year-olds which will not only look good on your CV, but they might even be fun and enjoyable despite the cold and dark autumn weather! Check out this guide to the best part-time jobs for autumn.

Choosing the right October half term activities

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to which October half term activities you should choose. You do you! If you feel excited or inspired to try something on this list, let us know by sending a DM to @ncs

Read more:

Half term activities when you’re on a budget 
Feel-good recipes for autumn
Why you might feel low when the season starts to change