With the lecture-free period fast approaching, we wanted to know how Goethe University students spend their semester break and decided to ask them about their plans for the break. Finally, no more lectures, no university – that sounds a lot like downtime, travel, and lots of relaxation. But not for everyone, as a small survey on campus shows. Between part-time jobs, term papers, and sports activities, some are left with little time to really unwind and let the mind relax.
No Lectures – Finally Time to Work
Many students – including Bibi and Idi – use the lecture-free period to earn money. Both say they want to use the time to work and, if possible, reward themselves with a short vacation. Asked where they would be headed, they reply “any beach,” as long as there are cold drinks and gentle waves.
Alessandro – by his own account not a “typical” student given his 30 years of age – would also like to travel during this time. But given his current situation, he says he has to first “earn some cash”, adding that he hopes it will become somewhat easier to travel in the future. At least he doesn’t have to write any term papers between semesters.
Sophia and Alexander, on the other hand, are employed by the university and no longer have student status. For them, the lecture-free period is a chance to take a stress-free vacation. In fact, they point out that some staff take mandatory vacation time during the lecture-free period, since there is little to no work between semesters. Like Bibi and Idi, they also plan a short trip – though they don’t yet know where to.
Semester Break? What Semester Break?
Not everyone is that lucky. Bianca and Lina report that they have no real break coming up. Instead, it’s all about term papers, term papers, and more term papers. With two exam periods in her psychology program, Hanna also says she will use the free time to prepare.
Some students are planning to travel extensively for learning purposes – like Francesco, who will sublet his room in Frankfurt and attend an economics-focused summer school in Switzerland. Even here, he says, he’s always thinking about imagining a better world.
We meet Francesco on the lawn on Westend Campus, where he is playing soccer with fellow sociology student Fabian, who will also attend the Congress of German Sociologists, organized by the German Sociological Association.
The Congress promises an “engaged exchange about the current state of sociology in Germany” – illustrating that interest in social issues doesn’t take a summer break either. Still, not everyone plans ahead – take Edom, for example, who is still unsure about what to do during the “break.” He’ll decide in the moment based on how he feels – “maybe travel or go to the sea again.” For many, the lecture-free period is also a time of flexibility, sleeping in, and a chance to clear their heads after all the stress.
4 Days and 400 km – Tracing Jan Ullrich in the Swiss Alps
Most people need quiet to relax – be it the beach or a spa. Others, like Enes, however, prefer adventure over a classic beach vacation. He tells us he’s planning a bike tour with a good friend. But far from heading to the nearest lake or stream, they’re drawn to the Swiss Alps. They plan to be on the road for 4 days, cycling nearly 400 kilometers, sleeping in tents along the way, and then camping in the Alps while enjoying the beauty of nature. That sounds like a lot of pedaling, long hours battling your inner couch potato, and a sweat-soaked yellow jersey. Still, Enes says he needs one last getaway before heading to Gothenburg, Sweden, for a semester abroad. All in keeping with his motto: “Never half-hearted – always all in!” he says energetically.
Enes isn’t the only sports enthusiast. Aaron, for example, is a passionate soccer player and currently deep into training with his team for the new season. His semester break will be shaped by near daily training sessions, test matches, and recovery. Maybe there will be a few days left for a short holiday, but sports take priority.
Semester Break Is What You Make of It
Whether you’re like Bianca and Lina – i.e. the “term papers and more term papers” type – the sporty type like Enes and Aaron, or like Bibi and Idi dreaming of the beach during the semester break, one thing’s for sure: there is little time for boredom. Even if the semester break is used for entirely different purposes, the pace is different, with the occasional moment for pause, the opportunity to travel and view the world from new perspectives. Everyone can find their own rhythm – between work, big travel plans, or just a quiet moment to relax.
Kevin Knös
