As summer comes to an end, it’s time to start thinking about going back to university for that all-important degree. Here are our top tips for getting into the swing after the break.
Ease back into routine
Going from three months on your own time to being back to classes can be a shock to the system.
Use the few weeks before going back to implement productive habits to make the transition easier.
We’re not saying you need to wake up every day at 6am, but you could try and wake up an hour earlier than usual to make those early mornings a little less painful.
Set some achievable goals
Use this time to reflect on your previous professional achievements and what you want your next steps to be.
Think about how can you develop your skills.
If you really enjoyed the audio journalism module, why not start planning your own podcast series?
Our School of Journalism trainees launched their own podcast in April – find out more here.
Podcasting is a great, low-cost and modern approach to creating journalism. 🎙️
If you’re thinking of starting your own podcast, read through everything you should consider at the start of your journey! 👇 https://t.co/G75Jc6nNJF
— School of Journalism (@TheJournoSchool) July 31, 2025
Find new places to study
Sometimes it is hard to motivate yourself to study for media law and public affairs exams.
Finding a nice new café or coworking space to study in can work as a good motivation to get out and start on your work.
Update your portfolio
You could spend some time perfecting your portfolio and filling it with all the journalism you’ve done over the summer.
You could do some freelance writing and get some bylines before the new year.
If you’ve used The School of Journalism summer bursary for a project or work experience, this is when you can show it off.
Every School of Journalism trainee is offered up to £1,000 for a paid placement or journalism project. Find out more here.
Are you looking to start writing freelance and don’t know how to start?
Here are our tips for writing a perfect pitch so you can build your portfolio today! ⬇️🙌 https://t.co/GPQyuFaXCo
— School of Journalism (@TheJournoSchool) July 10, 2025
Consume the news
Although studies stop in summer, the news cycle doesn’t.
Make sure you’re staying in the loop with the biggest stories of the day.
You could set aside 15 minutes a day to check the front pages of the nationals.
A big part of being a great journalist is by consuming journalism daily.
You can apply for our BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism degree now – here’s a link to our UCAS page.
If you have any questions you can email us on [email protected] or call us on 0203 026 3781.
Here are the details you’ll need:
Course code: MUJO
Institution code: P63
Campus name: News Associates London
Campus code: L
If you want to find out more about our BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism degree, click here.
Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash.