What summer break looks like for students

The best kind of break is the one that feels like yours.

When people think of summer break, they often picture students sipping smoothies and watching sunsets on the beach, without a care in the world.

Instagram makes it look like everyone’s off backpacking through Europe, sunbathing on a beach or dancing at music festivals. But let’s be real—most students aren’t starring in a travel vlog. The truth? Summer break isn’t the same for everyone.

For some students, summer is the rare chance to finally unwind and recharge after months of intense studying. It’s their time to catch up on sleep, reset mentally and indulge in activities they enjoy.

For others, however, summer break is just another season of hustle. They take on internships, work part-time jobs or dive into side projects to gain experience and build their resumes.

But here’s the thing: There’s no one right way to spend summer. It’s important to remember that everyone’s break is different and that’s perfectly okay.

Whether they’re resting or working hard, everyone deserves to enjoy their time in a way that’s meaningful to them. It’s about finding balance and giving themselves the space to do what feels right.

Let’s bust the myth of the “perfect” summer break and explore how some Humber Polytechnic and University of Guelph-Humber students actually spend their summer break.

A summer of creativity and reconnection

A man is working on his laptop at a beach and the words, "WORK HARD. PLAY HARD" are mentioned beside. — *Via* *GIPHY*

I spoke to Maya Raghavan, a digital communication student, who thrives on creativity and the joy of exploring new things.

For her, summer isn’t just a break—it’s an opportunity to recharge, grow and take on exciting new projects.

This summer, Raghavan is working as a freelance digital content creator, helping small businesses and startups build their online presence. “It’s a great way to gain experience while having the flexibility to explore other interests,” she said.

She spends her days writing blogs, creating social media graphics and managing campaigns for her clients. “The flexibility of freelancing means I can work from anywhere, so it allows me to enjoy summer while working toward my career,” she said.

Alongside her creative pursuits, she practices self-care through yoga, journaling and enjoys playing the ukulele—a skill she’s teaching herself through YouTube. It helps her relax and makes her free time feel meaningful.

Capturing new beginnings

A man is standing behind the camera, searching for the perfect angle. — *Via GIPHY*

I also spoke to Soham Shah, a film and multiplatform storytelling student at Humber, who is stepping into an exciting chapter—starting his first co-op placement as a director of photography.

It’s a role he’s thrilled about but because it marks a personal milestone in his creative journey.

Originally from Bangalore, India, this is Shah’s first summer in Canada. “Last summer I was saying goodbye to friends I’ve grown up with. Now I’m building something new in a whole different part of the world,” he said.

For Shah, summer is all about finding balance—between hustle and heart. He makes time for short road trips or hangouts with new friends, but also stays grounded in his goals.

“I love working behind the camera. It doesn’t even feel like work sometimes. Being on set is the best feeling for me,” he said.

He often thinks back to summers in Bangalore—long conversations with friends, late-night street food runs, spontaneous adventures. “I miss my friends a lot,” he admits.

Outside of film, Soham’s big on staying active—he’ll play badminton, go for a walk with his camera to capture the world or just chill out listening to music and journaling. “I try to stay open to new experiences as they help me stay creative,” he mentioned.

Balance over burnout

A group of friends are sharing a coffee toast at a cafe. — *Via GIPHY*

I also spoke with Cole Adler, a computer programming student who uses summer as a chance to step back from the problem-solving world of his studies and focus on slowing down and finding balance.

Adler spends his summer working part-time at a Tim Horton’s near his place, which adds just enough routine to his days without making them feel too rigid. “It keeps me on track but still gives me plenty of time to enjoy my days,” he said.

That balance lets him make space for the small joys of summer—morning hikes, beach hangouts and spontaneous picnics with friends.

Self-care is something Adler takes seriously. He goes to therapy year-round, but summer is when it really sinks in. “Without the pressure of deadlines and assignments, I feel like I can actually reflect and apply what I’ve been learning about myself,” he shares.

Whether it’s playing basketball with his cousins, hitting the gym or just unwinding with a Netflix binge, it’s all part of how he keeps his mind and body in balance.

A man is typing on his laptop, seated by the beach as waves reach the shore. — *Via GIPHY*

Summer doesn’t follow one script—and that’s what makes it meaningful. For some students, it’s a time to slow down and reconnect with themselves in quiet ways. For others, it’s a season of hustle, new opportunities or building something from the ground up.

Whether you’re freelancing from a quiet cabin, working part-time to keep a routine or navigating your first summer in a new country, every experience counts.

What matters most is how you feel at the end of it—more rested, more connected, more ready for whatever comes next.

So go outside, take a breath and enjoy the sun!

Feature image courtesy of Kemal Esensoy via Unsplash

Struggling to maintain a routine during summer? Check out how to maintain a routine during the summer break!