One of the biggest downsides to being a student is three months of summer holiday and no cash to do anything with it, although it's the perfect time to track down internships or get ahead on next years reading list, everyone could do with a break even if you have to compromise on your dream holiday.
Instead of staring at your Facebook news feed and being consumed by jealousy as the more fortunate upload photos from their weekend at Glastonbury or their villa in the South of France, use the time to get creative and find some more sustainable, low cost holiday options.
10 Ways To Have A Sustainable Student Summer
Local Music Festivals (01 of08)
The Festival season doesn't have to be as expensive as you think. If you're willing to keep an open mind and hear some smaller up and coming bands, you may discover some brilliant artists. Music Festivals don't just include Glastonbury and Bestival, they can be local to even the smallest towns like Redfest (Redhill) or Whitby's Festival On The Moor with weekend camping tickets from around £40. If you want something slightly larger check out Farmfest in Somerset or Glasgow's Summer Sessions.
Hitchhiking(02 of08)
A lot of universities hold an annual hitchhike for charity, usually sponsoring students to get as far away from campus as they can in 24 hours. But in summer, hitchhiking can become a great way to travel on a minimal budget. Gather a rucksack, a group of friends and a rough idea of where you want to head to. Perhaps also take a look at possible hostels that you can drop into for a small cost. Wikitravel has produced a basic guide to hitchhiking here - http://huff.to/1Kk9JL1
Couchsurfing(03 of08)
www.couchsurfing.com provides a large community of people all over the world who let people stay in their homes. Although you may want to make sure you go with friends and get to know your hosts online first, it's a great way to find free accommodation but also to meet new people. You can read reviews and references from previous travelers on the website to help you pick where to stay and who to stay with.
Take A Camping Trip(04 of08)
It may not be quite the same as a villa and a pool in Portugal but camping will save you a lot of money on accommodation. The UK is full of campsites with various levels of facilities, you can choose to have showers and toilets available or you can find a site completely in the wild and rough it for a few days. Although it may seem like there isn't much to do out in the countryside, spending your summer evenings eating dinner sat outside a tent with a good group of friends is pretty great.
Hiking And Cycling Trips(05 of08)
Rather than splashing out on flights or long distance trains, explore the possibility of a hiking or cycling trip. Not only is it good for building up your fitness levels but you also save money and can reach some fantastic locations. www.skedaddle.co.uk has a large variety of ideas for different types of cycling holidays and www.ramblersholidays.co.uk is provides the perfect inspiration for hikes.
Holiday Eating(06 of08)
If you can't afford to go abroad this year you may be missing the variety tastes you get to experience on holiday so now is your chance to use your free time to learn some new summer recipes. It's the perfect time with so much fresh produce available and a cheap way to bring a bit of the mediterranean into your life while learning new skills. Research some cuisines you've never tried and rather than splashing out on a restaurant, make the effort to try a new creation. For those who particularly enjoy fresh fruit and veg there are plenty of farms around the UK that allow you to pick your own, making for a fun day out, something a bit different and some top quality ingredients. Take a look here http://www.pickyourownfarms.org.uk/ to find your local farm.
Organise A Day Trip(07 of08)
Holidays don't have to last for weeks, sometimes just getting away for a day or an evening will provide a relaxing way to switch off. Picnics may seem old-fashioned but if each person provides a different item of food, it can cut costs whilst providing plenty to eat. There are also some fantastic locations to choose from like Virginia Water and Windsor Great Park or Corfe Castle in Dorset. If you can find a location with a lake that allows swimming or travel to a town with a beach you're one step closer to the perfect substitute holiday. You could even extend your trip into the evening and set up a campfire with a box of beer and a group of friends.
Discover Your Local Area(08 of08)
Having been studying all year there will be plenty of activities in your area that you never got chance to try, for example Museums and galleries especially in larger cities can be a great free day out. There are always new exhibitions on and the larger museums make it impossible to see everything in one day. If it's a hotter day why not look for an outdoor swimming pool or beach nearby depending on whether you're closer to a city or the country. You may be surprised by what's available once you start researching.