How Will You Spend Your Summer?

You'll never get such blissfully long holidays when you're working – so make the most of them. After graduation, there'll be few occasions when we can enjoy such extended holidays, and be free to do as we wish. So now that summer has arrived, let's take full advantage of it.

Summer vacations are the perfect time to go travelling. As clichéd as it has become, inter-railing is a fantastic experience which can be done relatively affordably and easily – although you're more likely to meet backpacking students than locals. Tickets go up considerably when you turn 26, so make the most of cheaper rates while you're eligible.

Overseas volunteering won't amaze future employers with its originality, but it can be very rewarding. Finding a reputable company that won't rip you off is crucial, as is discovering a programme that appeals to your own interests. There are plenty of websites where you can see other people's recommendations.

Of course for most of us, money is tight – but to avoid overspending you can combine employment and adventure.  Hannah Warn, a psychology student at the University of Winchester, is spending her summer at Camp America, an increasingly popular venture where British students live and work at a summer camp. "Being thrown into something where I don't really know what to expect is exciting," she says. "It gives me a chance to experience being away from home in a different way to just being a few hours away at university."

Those with a talent for languages might also consider working abroad as an au pair. The work may be challenging, but it's a chance to immerse yourself in a new culture while your employer foots most of the bill. For non-linguists, some universities offer travel grants – and in many cases your summer plans need to be only loosely related to your studies, so it's worth researching what's available.