10 things to do in Brisbane before you go back to uni

And just like that another holiday period is nearly over and university is hurtling towards you. Before you know it it will be O-Week and shortly after, study will be back in full swing. But there’s still time to make the most of the uni break. There’s so much to do – some indoors, some out, some with friends, some alone – all to get you feeling content and ready to return to uni with the right mindset to succeed in your studies. Here’s our list of the things you need to do before you start studying this year.

1. Binge watch these shows and movies

Whether you’re a Netflix, Stan or Disney+ fan it’s time to catch up on all those shows and movies you’ve been meaning to watch. And with lots of great movies and series hitting the streaming services, it’s time for you to lock yourself in your room and watch them before you head back to class. First thing’s first, Ronny Chieng International Student. If you haven’t already watched this one, the time is now. This is a must-watch for all students studying in Australia, mostly because of all the hilarious stereotypes that you’ll recognise as soon as you set foot on campus this year, but also the hilarious perspective of Chinese-Malaysian-Australian comedian and actor Ronny Chieng. Easy watching.

Once you’re done with that binge You season two, The Bold Type season four and Brooklyn Nine-Nine season seven.

2. Road trip to the coast

Blue water at the beach
One of the best things about living in Brisbane is the proximity to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast beaches and towns. Before you put your head back into your books, get some mates together or take a solo trip north or south to the beach. We recommend Caloundra on the north coast for the beach, or Burleigh on the south coast.

3. Explore what’s on your doorstep

A couple sitting on the grass in the gardens
Spent the whole summer indoors avoiding the heat? Don’t forget that Brisbane has heaps to offer, and it’s free to explore. We’ve found the top spots for you to cool off in Brisbane, as well as the best parks and secret spots for a picnic, and the best food, fashion and handmade markets in Brisbane. See, so much to do.

4. Book yourself tickets to Brisbane Comedy Festival

Talk about awkward timing. Uni kicks off the same week at the month-long Brisbane Comedy Festival, but that’s no excuse to miss the city’s hottest, most hilarious live comedy event. Grab your friends, get your tickets and prepare to laugh.

5. See the latest movies in cinema

Elizabeth street building with white windows and flags.
Escape the heat and catch up on all the new releases. Jojo Rabbit, 1917 and Little Women have all recently hit the screens if you need some guidance. Alternatively, head to one of the Student One cinemas and set up camp for a movie marathon.

6. Sign up for Lime Scooters or Neuron Mobility

Brisbane has a new form of transport and we think it’s super handy for whizzing around the city. Try out the Lime Scooters or Neuron Mobility, while taking a sweet little tour of Brisbane perhaps? Or visiting one of Brisbane’s best picnic spots? Just remember, the helmet’s there for a reason, and it belongs on your head. You’ll find your ultimate guide to Brisbane’s scooters here.

7. Hit up Howard Smith Wharves

Bar Pacino
Howard Smith Wharves is the place to be. Killer views, awesome bars and eateries – it’s no wonder locals and visitors flocked to the precinct as soon as it opened. Student One residents can enjoy super easy access to the precinct, which is a short 650m walk from the residences on Adelaide and Wharf streets or a slightly longer 1.5km from Student One Elizabeth Street. We recommend a stop at Felons Brewing Co for sunset brews.

8. Set goals for the year

Research has found that you’re more likely to achieve goals if you write them down. No need to set in stone per se, but just having them written somewhere will make you feel a little more accountable to them. Set goals in areas of finance, health, personal development, professional development, and fun/recreation. Remember to make your goals S.M.A.R.T – that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely/timebound.

9. Clean up your diet

Heading into the study year with a bad diet is really not the headspace you want to be in. A healthy diet will help to get focused and means you’ll have one less thing to worry about during the semester. Our number one tip for cleaning up your diet is food prep. It’s way too easy to jump on UberEats when there’s nothing in the fridge, but if you’re all prepped in advance, there’s no excuses. It’s also a great way to save money. Want some more tips? Check out our epic food hacks here.

10. Treat yourself at Eat Street and watch the sunset

Eat Street
Say goodbye to summer in style. Eat Street market (a ferry ride from Brisbane’s Eagle Street Pier terminal) has the food, views, and tunes to wind down the uni holidays. Spend the afternoon snacking on street food from various cuisines and watching the sunset as you reflect on the summer that was. Best done with friends.

Want to know everything you should eat when you get there? Check out our round up here.