Welcome to student accommodation in Leicester! Whether you're a student at Leicester University or DMU, you know that finding the right balance between studying and taking breaks is essential for your well-being. In this article, we'll give you some ideas for study breaks that you can enjoy while living in student accommodation in Leicester.

1. Get Outside:

One of the best ways to refresh your mind during a study break is to get some fresh air. Leicester is a great city to explore, with plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy. Take a walk around Victoria Park, or head to Abbey Park for a picnic. The campus of Leicester University is also a great place to take a stroll and get some exercise. Getting fresh air can help boost your energy levels and improve your mood. It can also help to clear your mind, making it easier to focus when you return to your studies. Being outside in nature can also help reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Walking is also a great form of exercise, helping to improve cardiovascular health and muscle tone. If you prefer something more strenuous, you can try running or cycling.

Victoria Park and Abbey Park are both great options for a relaxing stroll, offering plenty of greenery, peaceful lakes, and plenty of wildlife to spot. They are both perfect for a picnic or a quick snack break. Additionally, The University of Leicester's campus has many green spaces and gardens to explore, it's also a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the university buildings. Whatever your preferred activity, getting some fresh air and exercise during a study break can help refresh your mind and improve your overall well-being.

2. Visit Local Attractions:

Leicester has a lot of great attractions to visit during a study break. Take a trip to the National Space Centre, or visit the Leicester Cathedral. If you're a history buff, the King Richard III Visitor Centre is a must-see. These attractions are a great way to take a break from studying and learn something new about the city you're living in. The National Space Centre is a popular attraction that offers a great way to learn about space science and technology. It has several interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a 42-meter high Rocket Tower. The Leicester Cathedral, on the other hand, is a beautiful historical building that offers a glimpse into the city's rich religious history. It's also the final resting place of King Richard III, whose remains were discovered in a nearby car park in 2012. The King Richard III Visitor Centre is also a must-see attraction, it's dedicated to the life and times of the king and the discovery of his remains.

For art lovers, the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery is an excellent place to visit, it has a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and natural history. If you're looking for something a bit more unusual, the Leicester Guildhall is a great place to visit. It's the oldest civic building in the city, dating back to the 14th century, and it has a great collection of art and artifacts on display. These attractions are a great way to take a break from studying, learn something new about the city, and maybe even discover a new hobby or interest.

3. Take a Day Trip:

If you're looking for a longer study break, consider taking a day trip. There are plenty of places to explore within a short train or bus ride from Leicester. Taking a break from your usual surroundings can help you come back to your studies refreshed and ready to go. One option for a day trip is the nearby town of Melton Mowbray, known for its traditional pork pies and Stilton cheese. The town is also home to the Melton Carnegie Museum, which offers a glimpse into the town's history, as well as a collection of art and artifacts. Another nearby attraction is the Bradgate Park, which is located just a short drive from Leicester. The Park is home to the ruins of Bradgate House, the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, and it offers a great opportunity for hiking and picnicking.

 For more adventurous visitors, there is also the Twinlakes theme park, which offers a wide range of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages. It also has a zoo section with different animals. If you're looking for something more relaxing, the city of Leicester also has a number of green spaces, such as the Watermead Country Park and the Abbey Park, that are perfect for a picnic or a stroll. Taking a break from your usual surroundings and exploring nearby attractions can help you come back to your studies refreshed and ready to go.

4. Explore the Food Scene:

Leicester is known for its diverse and delicious food scene. Take a study break to try out some of the local restaurants and cafes. From traditional Indian street food to Chinese dim sum, there's something for everyone. For a quick and easy study break, grab a takeaway and enjoy it in the comfort of your student accommodation. Leicester is particularly famous for its array of Indian restaurants and street food vendors, which offer a wide range of delicious and authentic dishes. Some of the most popular Indian restaurants in Leicester are Rickshaw Rick's and Chutneys, known for their delicious street food and traditional curries. Another must-try is Rana's in Belgrave, which is known for its authentic Punjabi street food, and particularly its delicious samosas. If you're looking for something more traditional, you can't go wrong with a visit to the award-winning Memsaab restaurant, known for its delicious North Indian cuisine and its wide range of vegetarian options.

Chinese dim sum is also a popular option in Leicester, with several Chinese restaurants offering an array of steamed dumplings and other delicious dishes. The Golden Palace and the Emperor are two of the most well-known Chinese restaurants in Leicester, known for their delicious dim sum and traditional Chinese dishes.

If you're in a rush, there are also a wide range of fast-food options, such as The Real Fryer, where you can get traditional fish and chips or The Bagel Doctor, where you can get delicious freshly made bagels. Leicester's diverse food scene offers something for everyone, so take a study break and treat yourself to some delicious local cuisine.

5. Get Creative:

Sometimes, the best study break is to let your creativity flow. Whether you're into art, music, or writing, find a way to express yourself during your break. Visit the Phoenix Arts Centre or the Curve Theatre for a show, or head to the Attenborough Arts Centre for a class or workshop. Getting creative can help you relax and come back to your studies with a fresh perspective. If you're looking for a way to express yourself at home or around Leicester, there are many arts and crafts activities you can try. For example, you can try painting or drawing, which are great ways to relax and let your creativity flow. You can also try knitting or crochet, which are great activities to do while watching TV or listening to music. Additionally, you can try making your own jewellery or other crafts, such as pottery, papier mache, or macrame.

If you're interested in photography, Leicester offers a great opportunity to explore the city and capture its beauty through your lens. You can take a walk around the city centre, take pictures of the architecture, or visit the nearby parks and gardens to capture nature's beauty.

If you're into writing, you can try journaling, poetry, or short stories. It's a great way to let your imagination run wild, and it's also a great way to process your thoughts and feelings.

Finally, if you're into music, you can try playing an instrument or singing. You can also try composing your own music or writing your own lyrics. You can even try creating a podcast or a vlog.

Overall, getting creative can be a fun and relaxing way to take a break from studying, and it can also help you come back to your studies with a fresh perspective.

6. Find a Study Buddy:

Studying with a friend can make the time fly by and make it more enjoyable. Take a study break to meet up with a fellow student and work together. You can share ideas, give each other feedback, and hold each other accountable for staying on task. Plus, it's always more fun to study with a friend. Studying with a friend can also help to increase motivation and productivity. Collaborating on a project or assignment can help to break up the monotony of solo studying, and it can also help to generate new ideas and perspectives. Having a study buddy can also help to keep each other motivated, especially during those times when you're feeling demotivated or unmotivated.

Another benefit of studying with a friend is that it can help to improve your understanding of the material. When you're working through a difficult concept or problem, it can be helpful to have someone to bounce ideas off of and explain things in a different way. Plus, studying with a friend can also help to hold each other accountable for staying on task, which can be especially helpful when you're feeling unmotivated or struggling to stay focused.

If you're looking for a study buddy, try joining a study group or club at university, or even consider reaching out to a fellow student in your class. Alternatively, you can also consider joining online study groups or communities, which can be a great way to connect with other students and share ideas and feedback.

Overall, studying with a friend can be a fun and effective way to take a break from solo studying, and it can also help to improve your understanding of the material, boost productivity and hold each other accountable.

7. Take a Nap:

Sometimes, the best study break is simply to take a nap. A short nap can help refresh your mind and increase your productivity. If you're feeling tired and having trouble focusing, take a 20-minute nap to help you recharge. Napping during a study break can help you come back to your work feeling more alert and focused. Additionally, napping can help improve your mood and reduce stress. Studies have also shown that napping can improve memory and learning. If you're having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, a short nap during the day can help improve your overall sleep quality. To make the most of your nap, try to find a quiet and dark place to nap, and set an alarm to ensure you don't nap for too long. It's also a good idea to avoid consuming caffeine or heavy meals prior to napping. Taking a nap during a study break can be a great way to recharge and increase productivity, so don't hesitate to take a quick snooze if you're feeling tired.

8. Go for a Swim:

Swimming is a great way to relax and get some exercise during a study break. There are several swimming pools in Leicester, including the University of Leicester's own pool on campus. Swimming can help clear your mind, reduce stress, and boost your energy levels. Additionally, swimming is a low-impact form of exercise, making it ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels. It also provides a full-body workout, engaging muscles in the arms, legs, core, and back. Swimming is also a great cardiovascular workout, helping to improve heart health and lung function. It is also a great way to improve flexibility and balance. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swimmer, swimming can be a fun and effective way to stay active and healthy. So, if you're looking for a way to relax and exercise during your study breaks, consider taking a dip in one of Leicester's many swimming pools. You'll not only feel refreshed and energized but also benefit your physical and mental health.

 9. Volunteer:

Volunteering can be a great way to take a break from studying while also making a positive impact on the community. There are many organizations in Leicester that could use your help, from local food banks to animal shelters. By giving back to the community during your study break, you'll feel a sense of achievement and confidence which will help fuel your next study session. Volunteering can also help you develop new skills and gain valuable experience. Many organizations in Leicester offer volunteer opportunities that allow you to work on specific projects or tasks, which can help you learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a particular field. Whether you're interested in working with children, animals, or the environment, there are many organizations in Leicester that could use your help.

Volunteering can also help to improve your mental and physical well-being. Studies have shown that volunteering can improve mood, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem. It can also help to improve social connections and provide a sense of purpose.

Additionally, volunteering can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends. By working with other volunteers and members of the community, you can expand your social network and learn more about the community you're living in.

If you're interested in volunteering in Leicester, there are many organizations that could use your help, such as the Leicester Homeless Centre, Leicester Animal Aid, and Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland. You can also check out the University of Leicester's Volunteer Centre, which can help you find volunteer opportunities that match your interests and skills.

Overall, volunteering can be a great way to take a break from studying while also making a positive impact on the community, developing new skills and gaining valuable experience, improving mental and physical well-being, and making new friends.

10. Mindfulness:

Take some time to breathe and take in your surroundings, maybe go outside and do some yoga! Don’t let studying stop you from taking a well needed break, watch and name your thoughts to focus on something other than your work. Try finding something that makes you comfortable, whether its your favourite tv show or food, this will help to keep your mind on something that you enjoy so that studying after won’t feel as daunting. Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, without judgment. It can be a helpful tool for managing stress and anxiety, as well as improving overall well-being. Here are a few additional ways to practice mindfulness in Leicester:

• Take a walk in a local park or green space. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you, and try to be present in each step you take.
• Visit a local meditation or yoga studio. Many studios offer classes specifically designed for beginners.
• Try a guided meditation app such as Headspace or Calm. These apps offer a variety of guided meditations, from short, three-minute sessions to longer, 30-minute practices.
• Use your commute as an opportunity to practice mindfulness. Instead of scrolling through social media or listening to music, try to notice your surroundings and take deep breaths.
• Try a mindful eating practice. Take your time to eat a meal, savouring each bite and paying attention to the flavours and textures of your food.

Overall, it is important to find what works for you and make it a regular practice in your daily routine. Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere, at any time, and the benefits will be reaped in your daily life