Keeping Momentum as a PG in the Summer Vacation Period
By Library Student Partner, Juanmo Xu
Let’s face it - summer is strange as a postgrad. The undergrads have packed up and left, campus events have slowed down, and the pace around you might feel more like a Sunday afternoon than a working week. But for postgraduates, it’s not a break. Whether you’re a PGT wrestling with your dissertation or a PGR continuing your research (unless you’re on well-earned annual leave!), the work doesn’t stop - though the structure might. Here’s Juanmo Xu’s tips for keeping up the momentum in the summer.
How do you keep going when it feels like everything around you seems paused?
Set a seasonal rhythm
Your term-time routine might not work in July. With fewer structured commitments—no seminars, fewer meetings—and longer, hotter days, it’s easy to lose a sense of regularity. Personally, I find that summer throws off my usual rhythm: I wake earlier but often feel less energetic, especially once the heat sets in.
"The quieter atmosphere can feel isolating…"
My solution? A morning workout after coffee—before the temperature climbs too high (this bit is crucial!). It doesn’t need to be a full gym session: sometimes I take a walk around campus, through the park, or even just along the pavement for half an hour. It gets my blood flowing, boosts those endorphins and dopamine levels, and helps me feel alert and motivated to get started.
This simple habit also helps reset my body clock and gives structure to my day. Over time, it’s become a soft, flexible yet surprisingly effective summer routine that balances productivity with wellbeing.
Weekly goals > daily pressure
Summer isn’t the time (at least for me!) to micromanage every hour. Instead, I’ve started setting weekly intentions. These could be as simple as “draft a new section” or “read one article a day.”
"…take real breaks, and step away from the screen…"
I jot down 3–5 achievable goals on Monday and check in on Friday. This gives me just enough structure to stay on track, while still allowing flexibility—something that’s especially important during the slower, hotter weeks.
It also helps avoid the guilt spiral: if I don’t tick everything off, I don’t beat myself up. I just regroup and move forward. No perfectionism during summer—just small, steady steps.
Stay connected
The quieter atmosphere can feel isolating. Reach out! I often choose to work in the Wolfson Research Exchange—not just for the space, but for the chance to chat with other PGRs during breaks. You don’t need to talk research—sometimes just hearing that someone else also hasn’t finished that draft is all the motivation you need (the little devil in everyone’s heart loves that moment of mutual procrastination!).
And don’t forget the PG Hub (Floor 2, the Junction)—a welcoming space open to all postgraduate students, whether you’re PGT or PGR. It’s a great spot to get some work done in the quiet study zone, and to pause and recharge in the informal social area. Bring your laptop, your notes, or just yourself—it’s as much a place for connection as it is for focus!
You can also arrange a small picnic with your cohort or even start a casual summer writing group with others working on dissertations or chapters. A little bit of community goes a long way—especially in the stillness of summer.
Use the downtime wisely
This is actually the perfect season to do the things you never have time—or feel too guilty to do—during term: reorganise your Zotero folders, explore new research methods, or just spend a morning reading something tangential but inspiring.
Give yourself permission to explore without a direct output in mind. It might not feel “productive” in the traditional sense, but trust me: some of the best ideas (and breakthroughs!) come from unexpected places.
"…I’ve started setting weekly intentions."
Rest is also productive
Don’t forget: momentum isn’t just about speed—it’s about sustainability. Use this time to sleep properly, take real breaks, and step away from the screen without guilt. I’ve started treating rest the same way I treat research: with intention and structure.
Think of yourself like a spring—if you stay wound too tightly for too long, you’ll snap. But with the right rhythm of work and rest, you’ll stay resilient, focused, and far more effective in the long run
So yes, the summer months might feel quiet—but with a bit of planning, connection, and kindness to yourself, they can be one of the most fruitful periods of your postgraduate journey.
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