8 Fun Things to Do in Lockdown 3.0

If you’re like us, you might find searching and applying for placements, internships & insight schemes a thrilling way to spend your evenings.

But if you’ve already secured work experience, then that would be a silly way to spend your time. Instead, we’ve put together 8 activities to throw yourself into and keep you occupied during lockdown 3.0.

Say goodbye to Zoom quizzes. It’s time to freshen things up.

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#1 Have a virtual bake-off

Coconut panna cotta. Passionfruit pavlova. Apple tarte tatin.

Banana bread was so 2020.

With literally millions of online recipes, weeks of being stuck indoors and let’s face it, having nothing better to do with your evenings, there’s never been a better time for some competitive baking.

And it wouldn’t be a lockdown if you didn’t send out a Zoom link to get all your pals involved.

If you’re feeling particularly daring, take a look at these boozy bake recipes.

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#2 Produce an artistic masterpiece

Reports show that just 45 minutes of creative activity can significantly reduce stress levels.

And you don’t have to be the next Picasso. Whether you’re a skilled artist or just want to make a colourful mess, painting is a fabulous way to have fun, experiment and let your creative juices flow.

If you’re struggling for ideas, invest in a paint-by-numbers pack. You can grab some really impressive designs for less than £10, including paints, paintbrushes and a sizeable template to work with.

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#3 Run a marathon (and badger friends into joining you)

Yes, you read that right. But it’s not as daunting as it sounds.

Whilst you can’t meet up with your pals at the pub, there’s nothing stopping you from teaming up to get fit together. Get your friends on board and set up a ‘virtual’ running group on Strava.

Before you know it you’ll be piling up the mileage. And then you can tell everyone you ran a marathon.

Why not fundraise money for a charity of your choice at the same time?

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#4 Have a paper chain making contest

This is a GREAT way to get your competitive streak on.

You and your friends should invest in some coloured paper, a pair of scissors and a glue stick each. Get comfy, set up a group Zoom call and challenge your friends to see who can make the longest paper chain in an hour.

Lizzie currently holds the RateMyPlacement HQ record, with a staggering 286 rings.

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#5 Knit yourself some new clothing

Knitting has become one of lockdown’s hottest trend.

And we can understand why. It’s cheap, requires minimal materials and is a great excuse to get away from a screen. The best bit?

You’ll be rewarded for all your hard work with something you can actually use in your day-to-day life. Whether that’s a scarf, a woolly hat or a blanket.

All that you’ll need are some knitting needles, scissors, a crochet hook and some yarn.

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#6 Redecorate your digs

Are you finding staying indoors a bore? We don’t blame you. Conor from the RateMyPlacement office has been staring at his four walls of cat themed wallpaper everyday and is quite frankly, sick of it.

That’s why it’s important to spruce up the place now and again. Moving around your furniture and trying out different layouts can transform a space.

Give the walls a fresh lick of paint. Switch the desk and wardrobe around. Create some hanging wall decorations. The possibilities are endless.

When you’re done, show off your swanky place. In a MTV Cribs style video of course.

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#7 Take a (virtual) trip to the zoo

What do penguins, pandas and tigers all have in common?

You can watch them up to their usual antics via live cam at the Edinburgh Zoo website. So snuggle up under a duvet and take a global trip around the world, spotting your favourite animals along the way.

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#8 Grow a plant family

Plants aren’t just for lockdown. They’re for life.

So growing a collection of plants is a big commitment. And not one you should take lightly. Every plant has a character, a personality, aspirations in life. (We really like to get into it).

But on a serious note, plant growing can improve cognition, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being across ALL age-groups.

So make use of those empty baked bean tins and yoghurt pots, and get planting. Not sure where to start? Try these 8 houseplants you can grow on a windowsill.

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There you have it. 8 things you can throw yourself into to keep you entertained this lockdown.

And fingers crossed we don’t have to write ANOTHER blog for lockdown 4.0.

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