Studentville has become Ghostville, a transition marked by the emotional goodbyes and promises to keep in touch outside dozens of flats and Halls of Residence.
In the run-up to exams, fevered twelve-hour days at the library were interspersed with inventive forms of procrastination, unknown or at least not practiced before study leave. I developed an unexpected penchant for crosswords, completing dozens of them while minutes, desperately needed for revision, ticked by.
Post-exam lager swilling and fire lighting mark the start of shared relief and prolonged celebration. But three days later, the novelty has worn off and you're out of money. Now what?
This void is ideally filled with a job. But because of the recession, this has been difficult for many, who are left to simply kick their heels. Those lucky enough to go traveling are likely to get even dirtier looks than usual this summer.
The summer period can also be one of reflection for students. Papers, majors and degrees are changed, with some pulling out of university altogether. The number of those opting the latter will probably increase after exam results have been released.
If a job is an unlikely prospect, and you can't bear any more daytime television, then summer school is always an option. The reason it appeals to so many is not just that it prevents guilty feelings about not having a job, but also offers papers that are not normally available.
In 2010, the Political Studies department are offering POLS 331, a paper on the inner workings of American Intelligence Agencies, which is going to be popular, if ‘What papers are you looking forward to doing next year?' conversations are anything to go by.
Summer papers can also be easier, aside from the ubiquitous bridging and introductory topics, there are also those that would probably not be considered ‘academic' enough for full-year papers and are therefore more ‘fun'.
I am taking advantage of this, so I will apply myself to the study of Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia. See you there.