The alternative Easter 2021 plans you may not have considered but should

Easter in the UK is a major holiday for unis. This year, the holiday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ falls on April 4, 2021. In pre-pandemic days, this would free up three to five weeks for international students to catch a Megabus to check out London or jet off to Ibiza or Majorca for a quick trip before hitting the books.

Things are set to be a little different this Easter in the UK. Churches and outdoor sports facilities are closed, although the government has a dedicated plan to open all schools and colleges on March 8, resume formally organised outdoor sports, and slowly bring the socialites back to life again!

Now, as international students, you’ll likely be staying on campus while the locals head home. It can seem a little lonely, even kinda spooky with empty flats, but have no fear. Here are a few great ways to spend the newfound free time you have in your hands:

Outdoor activities

Get the sunscreen lotions out as parks are set to open in time for Easter. Source: Justin Tallis/AFP

While the UK is known for tea and crumpets, it’s also a country with great resources for outdoor activities. This ranges from hiking throughout the countryside (take in the view from the cliffs of the Seven Sisters in Sussex), visiting parks (breathtaking greenery at the Lake District National Park), fields and farms (have fun with the animals in the immense 50 acre parkland at Avon Valley Country Park); there are a plethora of things to pick and choose from as you welcome the sunny season.

Social butterflies

Restaurants and pubs are set to open April 12, along with spas and beauty salons. Source: Justin Tallin/AFP

It feels like ages since we’ve hugged a friend, or even bumped elbow to elbow with a stranger. From April 12 onwards, the following will be allowed to open: restaurants and pubs (enjoy those cold pints!), gyms and spas, beauty salons, staycations, zoos, theme parks and community centres — plenty of options for fun days out with flatmates or even on your own.

Spring cleaning

There’s a reason why it starts with this season. Decluttering your space will help prepare you for a year full of self-achievements. Clean out stuff you don’t need, you could donate it to those who do — a win-win situation.

A little can go a long way. Source: Miguel Medina/AFP

Volunteering work

What better way to spend a holiday than to give back to those who need it most? A popular volunteering website would be Do IT — it’s regularly updated with new openings to be camp mentors, scout’s assistants and more. Not only is it rewarding, it’s also a great way to meet new people, expand your communication skills, and get experience on your CV. Similarly, you can always offer support or help people you already know — a little goes a long way.

Eat your eggs

As Easter approaches, big brands and grocers are all stocking up on beloved chocolate Easter candy. Treat yourself! Source: Oli Scarff/AFP

It’s a tradition during Easter in the UK to buy as many chocolate eggs as you can and eat them. Some new crazy flavours for 2021 include the Nestle KitKat Chunky Cookie Dough Large Egg, the Cadbury White Chocolate with Oreo, and the Cadbury Mini Eggs Bar. Aldi will be having some special Easter treats you can’t miss out on too.