Starting the Summer

No one out there can really predict the weather, so making the most of the nice weather is an opportunity not to be missed. You've done the exams, you've studied hard and now's your chance to relax.

Before you head off though, here are a few things to think about during the summer months.

Money

Of course, you want to just chill-out and enjoy yourself, but there's no getting away from the fact that money can become a little scarce over this period. With that in mind, it might be a good idea to start thinking ahead as to how you can manage the money you've got over the summer break. If you're planning to live with your parents during the summer period, you will be saving yourself some cash. Whatever your plans are, there are things to give some thought to, like budgeting and perhaps finding a part-time job that could alleviate some of the financial constraints that you might run into over the summer.

Barbecues

When we think of summer, we usually think barbecue. Whether with friends or family, a barbecue can be a fun occasion and a totally delicious dinner. And, to help make your barbecue a little different or to add something extra special, there is a decent amount of info' on the internet about barbecue recipes.

Whatever it is that you choose to do with your barbecue, be sure to be safe:
-Make sure that all frozen meat is completely thawed out prior to being used on the barbecue.

-All perishable ingredients should be kept inside the fridge until ready to be served.

-Wash your hands before handling food and after handling raw meat and fish.

-Don't use plates that have had raw meat or fish on them for ready-to-eat foods, and avoid using cooking utensils for both raw and ready-to-eat foods.

-Get the barbecue to the right temperature before you begin cooking.

-Turn the meat during cooking so that it cooks thoroughly. While you can be less cautious about steaks and lamb chops, you need to be sure that all meats- especially sausages, pork, burgers and chicken- are cooked throughout, and give fish a thorough cooking, too.

-Avoid trailing raw meat and fish overcooked meat and fish that has been cooked, and do not use marinade that is left-over as a sauce.

-Choose a shady place for your food and don't leave food in direct sunlight. Food should not be left out for more than two hours. Also, if you have any left-overs, throwing them away is usually the safest thing to do.

-Also, don't forget to be mindful of standard fire safety principles when it comes to barbecuing.

Sun Cream/Spray

Whilst this may sound more than a little ridiculous, remembering some kind of protection for your skin is important. Whether it's sun cream or the kind that can be sprayed from a bottle, it will stop you from getting burnt. Apart from this being something that's going to guard you against potentially serious skin problems, it will also eliminate the discomfort that comes with sunburn, and means you won't have to keep rubbing on all of that Aftersun lotion.

Planning Ahead

Probably the last thing you want to think about now or over the course of the summer break, but wouldn't be a bad idea, is planning to go back to uni. Ensuring that you have all of the necessary equipment for the course is important, as is making sure you have all of your finances sorted out.

Another aspect of making plans for starting the new academic year that can't be overlooked is getting your student accommodation ready. On the subject of student accommodation, there are a few things to think about. Firstly, you might want to ask yourself whether you are happy staying where you currently are. There are various options out there when it comes to student accommodation, and it might be that there is something available that suits you better than what you have been previously living in. You might find a property that offers all-around better value for money as well as an improved location- giving you a superior student living standard overall.

Birmingham students looking to go back to uni' after the summer are able to seek help finding accommodation from Unihousing. Based in Selly Oak, Birmingham, Unihousing are registered lettings agents who specialise in offering student houses and studios with standards as pleasing as the reasonable prices that they are on offer for.

Unihousing's impressive properties feature ample space inside along with the kind of furnishings that are ideal for comfortable modern-day student living and boast excellent Selly Oak locations, placing students near to the University of Birmingham Edgbaston campus as well as public transport links and the amenities and nightlife that Selly Oak provides.

Unihousing's student properties are currently available as Summer Lets only!!

So get in touch with Unihousing today to find out what we can do for you!!