Stay one step ahead of the weather
Autumn in the Netherlands is simply more unpredictable than the location of your next exam. In the morning, it feels almost like winter, by the afternoon it’s suddenly a lot milder, and just when you’re about to hop on your bike, it starts raining... The solution: wear layers! A shirt, a sweater and a waterproof jacket will get you a long way. Want to arrive dry? Then Buienradar - an app that informs you about rainfall - is your best friend. If you can't avoid cycling through the rain, don't be stubborn and just put on your rain trousers and raincoat ;). And don't forget to bring an extra set of bike lights. Nothing is more annoying than discovering that they've been stolen once again while it’s already dark out...
Chase the daylight
Unfortunately, the sun rises later and sets earlier these days, so soak up as much sun as you can during the day! For example, take a walk around the campus during the break or between lectures. Got an afternoon off or no plans for the weekend? Then go for a longer walk at places like Vliegveld Twenthe, Hof Espelo or the Rutbeek.
Cosy up your room
The darkness, the bleak weather, the cold... not exactly motivating for you to study. Fortunately, you can create your own ambience. Tidy your desk, light up your room with nice string lights and a few lamps and buy yourself a warm blanket. In an organised, cosy room, studying for exams becomes a lot easier!
Get out and about
Don't let the rain and cold stop you from going out! Okay, a picnic at the Volkspark or chilling at the Rutbeek might be off the table for now, but there are plenty of other fun autumn activities you can do. Head to a museum, solve an escape room with friends, or take the Grolsch Brewery Tour. Need some inspiration? Check out our tips for indoor activities in Enschede!
Try new recipes
Autumn is the season for comfort food. How about a tasty pumpkin soup, mushroom risotto, lasagne or quiche? Find some new recipes, invite your friends or housemates over to cook together and enjoy your creations. Pro tip: cook a little extra and freeze it, so you can enjoy a tasty, nutritious and easy meal during exam week.
Keep in touch with friends and family
Now that spontaneously going to a terrace or getting ice cream at Van der Poel is less obvious and your schedule is full again, you might see your friends less often. So, make sure to plan something fun every once in a while! Think of a game night, cooking session, or coffee date at a café. Or give your parents a spontaneous call; it will make them happy too ;).
Get moving
Exercising makes you feel more energetic and cheerful and helps reduce stress and anxiety: exactly what you need right now! And no, you really don't have to go running in the pouring rain (but if you do, kudos to you!): a training session at your sports club, a gym class or even a short workout at home works wonders!
Romanticise your life
Let's be honest, it's going to rain a lot in the upcoming period, so you might as well make the best of it! Read a book in a café or curl up at home under a cosy blanket with your favourite series and a hot chocolate. Need to study? Turn it into a cosy study session: put on a comfy outfit, light some candles and make yourself a good cup of tea. Sometimes you just need to romanticise your life a little ;).
