Exam season is nearly over: Here are the five best ways to celebrate around South Wales

Have you finished your exams, or are you really close? That moment when you realise you are finally done is equally as relieving as it is daunting.

You probably have so many questions flying through your head. What do I do now? What’s next? How do I properly celebrate finishing the year, and for many students, their degree as a whole.

You’ll be relieved to know you have plenty of choices. From staying in to going out, we have you covered. Here’s a list of things you could do to end the exam season with a bang.

1. Go out for dinner

Yukiyan Restaurant, Cardiff

There’s a reason going out for a meal is the classic way to celebrate any event. It’s fun, easy, and most importantly means you don’t have to cook.

Although I personally love Japanese food, I lack in my cooking skills. So, one of the first things I did was go out to my favourite restaurant, Yukiyan, to go and celebrate the end of exams with a few friends.

Cardiff has a large selection of restaurants with plenty of student friendly places like Nando’s and Pizza Express.

If you fancy trying something new however, then venture off into Cathays and Roath and see where you come across.

2. Pick up a new book

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For most students, reading would’ve taken up a lot of your time during the academic year. So it may actually seem pretty contradictory to celebrate by picking up a new book. However, this is why it is so great. To be able to read guilt-free is very freeing, to enjoy something without having to study it.

Reading can also be enjoyed anywhere. Cafés, parks, even your own living room – there is always space for dedicating yourself to a cheeky book. I personally try to dedicate at least twenty minutes.

Whatever your taste, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or a short story. Sometimes the best way to celebrate is low-key and personal.

3. Hang out with your friends

However, if “low-key and personal” is not your style, then why not celebrate with your friends?

I’m guilty of locking myself away during exam seasons, so it’s a huge relief to be able to finally relax and spend time with the people I’m closest to.

Obviously this is a broad category, as there’s no limit to what you can get up to with the closest people in your life.

From going to the park, or venturing off to the theatre or cinema, whatever you and your group like to do, you finally have the time to do so.

Not to mention, if you do finish before your friends, then you can rub in your freedom to them!

4. Barry Island

A must-do for any Cardiff student is visiting Barry Island.

Only a short train journey outside of the city, it’s easy to spend a day lounging on the beach by the sea, tanning and relaxing.

Outside of just the beach, there are plenty of cafes where you can get a classic fish and chips, and also arcades to go spend your change. Barry Island Pleasure Park is also a must-see where you can enjoy multiple different rides and maybe some donuts to end the day.

5. Finally just rest!

It’s easy to forget, however the most important thing to do after a long stressful period is to take a moment for yourself. Sleep in, have a bath or even scroll through TikTok. Whatever it takes, allow your body to recover from the stressful period.

Put your feet up and chill out, trust me, you deserve it.