As lectures end, friends disperse and campus quietens down, summer in Loughborough can feel lonely. But those warm, slower paced weeks can also be a time for growth and reconnecting with yourself. Here’s how to make the most of it if you’re staying here over the summer!

Prioritise your wellbeing

Loughborough University’s Student Services run self-care and wellbeing sessions over the summer. Whether you’re facing sleepless nights, low motivation or loneliness, these sessions offer practical tools and quick chats with wellbeing advisers.

• Self-compassion and Care: 25 June, 9.30am (Online)
• Lifting Mood and Motivation: 25 June and 23 July, 2.30pm (Online)
• Challenging Imposter Syndrome: 1 July, 9.30am (Graduate House, Training Room)
• Self Care Workshop: 9 July, 10.30am (Bridgeman Building, BRI 2.12)
• Managing Anxiety: 22 July, 2.30pm (Bridgeman Building, BRI 2.12)
• Weekly Wellbeing Drop‑ins on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays at 10am-12pm at Bridgeman Building.

Loughborough Recreational Sport offers free and inclusive activities, for students and staff. Whether you’re looking to stay active, unwind, or have fun, their diverse range of activities provides something for everyone. Get involved, stay fit, and connect with the Loughborough community in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Stay connected

Loneliness doesn’t always mean being alone, it’s feeling disconnected. You can combat this it by:

• Staying in touch with friends and family regularly.
• Joining one of the gyms on campus: Holywell or Powerbase.
• Using social media to find creative ways to connect with others or start new hobbies, such as colouring, running, crocheting and painting.
• Journaling: reflect on your year and set goals for the year to come.

Explore locally

Some of the top spots in and around Loughborough to explore over summer are listed below:

Cafés and coffee shops:

• Baobab Café is a vegan‑friendly, cosy café in the centre of Loughborough, perfect for writing journals or scrolling on TikTok.
• Bom Bom Patisserie is known for their delicious cookies and friendly study spaces.
• Public and Plants is a coffee shop and bakery in town with aesthetic interiors.

Nature and outdoor spaces:

• Queens Park is ideal for solo reading, picnics and people watching.
• Beacon Hill Country Park is close by for trails, picnic areas and stunning views on clear days.
• The Outwoods and Jubilee Wood offers peaceful forest walks, bird‑song, and fresh air just behind the campus.
• The Paddock is our largest grassy area on campus, where you can turn up anytime to chill out.

Hidden Gems

• Odeon Cinema in town is a charming, art-deco gem that offers affordable tickets and a nostalgic movie experience.
• Loughborough Town Hall hosts comedy nights, theatre, exhibitions and live music.
• Loughborough Wellbeing Centre offers a range of holistic therapies, workshops, and support sessions focused on improving wellbeing in a calming, community focused space.
• Reformer Pilates Studio is perfect for all levels, with friendly instructors and a calm atmosphere.
• Parkrun at Dishley is a free, fun and friendly weekly 5k community event.

Tips for your mental health

1. Create a light weekly schedule, such as going to a wellbeing event, an outdoor space and coffee shop.
2. Keep digital social routines – share TikToks, memes and chat with friends.
3. Balance indoor and outdoor time, aiming for fresh air daily.
4. Set small creative goals, such as watch a nature video then reflect in a journal.
5. Reach out when needed: use drop‑ins or wellbeing resources if you’re struggling

Staying on campus this summer doesn’t have to mean feeling stuck. With a bit of daily structure, creativity, and connection, you can build a fulfilling summer.