By the time the school holidays come around, there are probably a bunch of fun things that you’d like to tick off your to-do list. However, the school calendar is long, and so are the school holidays. It’s for this reason that you may be in the mood to do something more productive after finishing your list of things to do.
That’s where we come in! We’ve got a list of 4 ways you can stay productive during the school holidays!
Without further ado, here’s how to stay productive during the school holidays in 2023:
*Wondering how many days of the 2023 school holidays are left? Be sure to check out The South African School Calendar for 2023 to find out!
Table of Contents
1. Enrol in Online Courses
Enrolling in a couple of free online courses during the school holidays is a fantastic way to upskill yourself while staying productive.
Not only will enrolling in online courses allow you to advance your studies, but you’ll also be able to add a few certificates to your CV (which can only make your CV look even better!).
Now, you may be wondering: Which online courses should I enrol in during the school holidays? Don’t worry, we’ll explain. Here are a couple of free online courses you can do over the holidays.
Coursera
Coursera is a popular online learning platform that offers a wide range of educational courses and programmes. It partners with over 275 leading universities and companies worldwide to bring flexible, affordable and job-relevant learning opportunities to learners and students all around the world.
At Coursera, you can find over 5 200 courses, professional certificates and degrees available, giving you plenty of options when it comes to upskilling and staying productive during the school holidays.
To help get you started, we recommend the following free online courses from Coursera:
- Work Smarter, Not Harder: Time Management for Personal & Professional Productivity: Eager to boost your productivity at school, university or even at work? Well, Coursera has just the thing for you! This short course is entirely flexible and will teach you all the tools you need to work smarter, not harder.
- Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health: Take charge of your own mental health while learning about how others view the world with the Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health course by Coursera.
- Stay Results-Focused with S.M.A.R.T. Goals in Miro: If you’re a student or learner who is prone to procrastinating, then this course is for you! This course will reveal how to stay results-focused with S.M.A.R.T Goals using a unique collaboration tool known as Miro, allowing you to finish your school tasks without any distractions.
Udemy
Udemy is a renowned online learning platform with a wide selection of courses that will not only help you stay busy during the school holidays but will also allow you to acquire a range of new skills and knowledge.
On Udemy, you can find courses on topics such as programming, web development, graphic design, photography, marketing, business, personal development and so much more!
The best part about Udemy courses is that many of them are freely available and you can complete them at your own pace.
Excited to start learning? Here are a couple of free online Udemy courses you can look at:
- Useful Excel for Beginners: If you’re someone who has always struggled with Excel, then you’ll likely enjoy this free introductory course that will show you everything you need to know about to this Microsoft program.
- Introductory Photography Course: Leave those amateur Instagram photos behind and step into the big leagues with this professional Introductory Photography Course by Udemy.
- How to speak to anyone & be fearless – in less than 55 min: Ever wonder how some people can just walk up to someone and talk to them without wanting to run away? Well, the secret’s out in this course by Udemy, which will show you how to talk to anyone without fear in just 55 minutes.
Alison
Alison is an online learning platform that offers learners and students a range of free online courses across diverse subjects, including, but not limited to, business, technology, health and language.
Alison courses are structured using a combination of multimedia resources—such as video lectures, interactive quizzes and downloadable materials—to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. Learners can study at their own pace and access course materials at any time, allowing for flexible and self-directed learning.
If you’re excited to begin your learning journey on Alison but find yourself unsure about which online courses to start with, fear not! We’ve curated a list of fantastic beginner courses that will set you on the right path. Take a look at these amazing options:
- Basics of Youth Work and Leadership: Develop your leadership abilities and become a remodel and healer for young children and adolescents with the Basics of Youth Work and Leadership course by Alison. Your journey towards assisting the youth starts here.
- Principles of Eco-Friendly Living: Looking to add a bit of eco-friendliness into your life? Then be sure to dive into the Principles of Eco-Friendly Living with Alison! With this course, you’ll learn everything there is to know about becoming more eco-friendly—from food choices to building materials.
- Diploma in Physical Fitness: If you’re active or enjoy sports, then you’ll enjoy this Diploma in Physical Fitness course by Alison. Not only will you learn the basics of exercise but also new ways how to keep yourself injury-free.
Want to learn more about where to find free online courses as a student? Then be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Free Online Courses in South Africa.
2. Get Your Driver’s Licence
What better time than the school holidays to get your driver’s licence? If you’re stressed about getting your driver’s licence alone, or not sure where to start, you can relax—because we’re here to help!
Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide to getting your driver’s licence, which makes getting your driver’s a whole lot easier.
Step 1: Study For Your Driver’s Licence Test
If you haven’t done so already, you need to get your hands on the K53 Manual for the Learner’s and Driver’s Tests before you can study for the test. The manual is available from all the major retail outlets in South Africa, such as Takealot, Loot, Reader’s Warehouse and Exclusive Books.
Once you’ve got the K53 Manual for the Learner’s and Driver’s Tests, you can start studying for your driver’s licence test.
The three manuals that you need to study from the K53 Manual for the Learner’s and Driver’s Tests are:
- Rules of the Road
- Vehicle Controls
- Road Traffic Signs
Remember to use the mock test to practice to ensure that you’ve got everything covered. Once you’ve mastered the above three sections, you can move on to the next step: Scheduling lessons with a driving instructor.
Step 2: Schedule Lessons With a Driving Instructor
The best way to practice for your driver’s licence test is with a driving instructor, as they have a sound knowledge of the K53 driver’s test and will know exactly what to teach you in order to get you to pass.
If you’re searching for a driving school and a reliable instructor to kickstart your driving journey, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of well-known driving schools and directories that can help you find the right fit:
- Get Your Drivers – This driving school directory provides a comprehensive listing of driving schools in South Africa. You can easily browse through their database to find schools near your location and explore the services they offer.
- Supa Quick – Supa Quick offers a list of driving schools across South Africa. Their platform allows you to search for driving schools based on your specific requirements, making it easier to find a school that suits your needs.
- He & She – He & She is a renowned driving school in South Africa. With experienced instructors and a strong reputation, they offer professional driving lessons tailored to your learning needs.
- National Driving School Association of South Africa (NDSASA) – The NDSASA is an association that promotes professional standards in driving schools across the country. They have a list of accredited driving schools that meet their quality criteria, ensuring you receive high-quality training.
When choosing a driving school, consider factors such as their reputation, the instructors’ qualifications, lesson packages and the flexibility of their schedules. It’s also beneficial to read reviews or seek recommendations from friends or family who have had positive experiences with specific schools.
After you’ve selected a suitable driving school and have taken a few lessons, the next thing you need to do is book your driver’s licence test!
Step 3: Book Your Driver’s Licence Test
When it’s time to book your driver’s licence test, the process is simple and straightforward. All you need to do is head over to your nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) to book your test date. It’s essential to choose the DLTC closest to your location for convenience.
Before heading to your local DLTC, make sure you have the following documents and items with you:
- Your learner’s licence
- Your valid Identity Document (ID) to confirm your identity
- Four identical black-and-white photographs
- The completed Application for Driving Licence form (DL1)
- Proof of your postal and residential address (e.g. utility account)
- The booking fee (contact the DLTC in advance to confirm the current fees)
On the day of your test, arrive at the DLTC before the specified testing time. Remember to bring your receipt and learner’s licence for verification before the test begins. These documents serve as essential requirements to proceed with the test.
By following these steps and being well-prepared, you’ll be ready to tackle your driver’s licence test during the school holidays with confidence. Good luck, and soon you’ll be hitting the road as a licensed driver!
3. Look for a Part-Time Job
Getting a part-time job over the school holidays is a great way to make some extra cash on the side, as well as add some extra skills to your CV! Here are some jobs you can consider over the school holidays:
Retail Sales Associate
If you have exceptional people skills and enjoy working with others, a part-time job as a sales associate could be a perfect fit for you. The best thing about a part-time retail job is that, in most cases, you only need a matric certificate to qualify!
There are two ways to find part-time retail positions: The first one involves visiting your nearest mall and asking about positions at your favorite stores. The second option involves searching online job portals, where you can conveniently apply with just a few clicks.
Confused about where to find job portals? That’s okay. We’ve got a list of some of the best job portals for you to try out right here (they’re free!):
Online Tutor
If you have good knowledge in a subject and enjoy helping others succeed in their studies, then becoming an online tutor may be an excellent choice for you.
Online tutoring offers many advantages as a part-time job:
- Flexibility: You can create your own schedule and decide when and how many hours you want to work.
- Remote work: You can teach from anywhere you like, whether it’s at home, a coffee shop or anywhere with an internet connection.
- Cultural exposure: You can connect with learners and students from different parts of the country and even from around the world.
These are just a few of the benefits of being an online tutor. If this sounds like the right part-time job for you, check out the following websites that allow you to become an online tutor:
- Teach Me 2: Teach Me 2 is a proudly South African tutoring service that allows students to become face-to-face as well as online tutors. The application process at Teach Me 2 is absolutely free—all you need to worry about is meeting the requirements, nailing the interview and getting the job!
- Turtlejar: Turtlejar is a tutoring service that connects tutors with learners in South Africa. You can choose to tutor in-person or online and can teach over 100 subjects, including Maths, Science and English. To start tutoring with Turtlejar, all you need to do is sign up, complete your profile and get listed on the platform.
- Preply: Preply is an international e-learning platform developed in the United States. The Preply platform has over 100 subjects you can teach, and no specific certification or teaching experience is required.
The above platforms provide incredible opportunities for you to share your expertise, connect with eager learners and make a positive impact on their educational journey. So, why wait? Take the leap and embark on your exciting adventure as an online tutor today!
Brand Ambassador
If you’re someone who loves a particular product and enjoys sharing your knowledge about how it works, then being a brand ambassador could be a fantastic part-time job for you! It’s an exciting opportunity where you can promote and discuss your favourite products while getting paid to do what you love.
There are two types of brand ambassadors: online and in-person. Online brand ambassadors create product awareness through social media and other online platforms.
As an online brand ambassador, your tasks may include posting about the product on your social media accounts, writing reviews on customer review websites or sharing positive experiences with the product on your blog.
In-person brand ambassadors engage in face-to-face promotions and often attend marketing conferences or events. They distribute flyers, hand out product samples and wear branded clothing to create a memorable presence for the brand they’re advertising for.
Now, you might be wondering how to become a brand ambassador. There are a few avenues you can explore:
- Find part-time job postings online: Search for brand ambassador positions on online job portals.
- Build an online presence: Brands are more likely to be interested in partnering with you if you have a significant social media following and share a genuine interest in their products and brand values.
- Contact brands directly: Reach out to brands you admire and inquire about any part-time opportunities they may have available for brand ambassadors.
Remember, finding a job takes time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately. If you’re looking to earn money quickly to cover your tuition fees for the upcoming year, there are other options you can explore as well.
Keen to discover more part-time jobs you can do during the school holidays? Then be sure to check out these 11 Holiday Job Ideas for Students.
4. Start a New Hobby
Looking for exciting hobbies to dive into? Then check out these awesome hobby ideas (with some recommended online courses) that will not only bring a smile to your face but also help you explore new interests and develop valuable skills:
Photography
Grab your camera and embark on a thrilling adventure of photography to capture the beauty of South Africa’s stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife. Learn about composition, lighting and editing techniques to create jaw-dropping photographs that will leave everyone in awe!
Kickstart your photography journey with this free photography course by Coursera!
Sports and Fitness
Join a local gym, sports club or team and get ready to unleash your inner athlete. Whether you’re into soccer, rugby, cricket or athletics, sports are not just about having a blast but also about building teamwork, discipline and keeping yourself in tip-top shape.
If you’re eager to get into sports and fitness, then you can start with the basics with this free online Udemy course, which teaches you all you need to know about fitness.
Creative Writing
Unlock the door to a world of limitless possibilities through creative writing. Start a journal, write captivating short stories or dive into the realm of poetry. Express yourself, sharpen your language skills and become a master storyteller.
Looking to become a creative writer? Start putting pen to paper with this awesome creative writing course by Coursera.
Music and Instruments
Discover the magic of music by learning to play a musical instrument or joining a singing group. Whether you rock the guitar, master the keyboard or showcase your vocal talents, music brings people together and allows you to express yourself in a way that words alone can’t.
Excited to begin your musical journey? Then be sure to check out the below Udemy course, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about the basics of music theory.
Gardening
South Africa’s diverse flora makes it the perfect place to dive into gardening. Start your own little green oasis and learn about native plants and how to care for them. Gardening not only cultivates relaxation and patience but also nurtures your love for the environment.
Keen to start reaping the rewards of your very own garden? Then enrol in the below beginner-friendly online gardening course by Alison.
Cooking
Get your taste buds dancing by exploring the culinary arts. Try your hand at cooking traditional South African dishes or venture into international flavors. From mastering the art of a perfect braai to whipping up delectable desserts, the kitchen is your playground!
Don’t wait to become a culinary enthusiast. You can step into the culinary arts today by enrolling in the below online cooking course by Alison.
Get Funding These School Holidays
Now that you know how to stay productive during the school holidays, you may be feeling refreshed for the next semester. However, if you’re starting the next semester without funding, this may be a stressful venture, especially if you don’t have the funds to pay for the costs that come with being a student.
If you’re worried about acquiring funding for your next semester, then allow Fundi to help! Fundi gives you the funding you need to pay off all your tuition fees, accommodation, technical devices and more!
Keen to find out if you qualify for a Fundi study loan? Then be sure to try out the Fundi Loan Calculator and start your educational journey today.
