Five Different Ways to Celebrate Schoolies Week in 2020

Don’t let COVID kill your vibe.

If you’ve recently finished your Year 12 exams, congratulations! Graduating from high school is a massive achievement, particularly when you’ve been through such a whirlwind year.

Let’s face it: 2020 has thrown some real curveballs at Year 12 students. You guys were forced to quickly adapt to remote learning and online assessments, while also being isolated from your peers and missing out on social events. (Students in New South Wales almost had their graduations and formals canned but thank goodness that didn’t happen.)

That’s why it totally sucked when official Schoolies week events started being cancelled as well. With coronavirus cases continuing to be confirmed across the country, Queensland’s Schoolies week was deemed too “high-risk” to go ahead. Plus, international travel isn’t possible so travelling to Bali or Fiji is not an option.

With this in mind, how exactly are high school leavers supposed to commemorate such an important milestone?

Well, here are five alternative ways to celebrate Schoolies week in 2020 (‘cos you seriously deserve it).

1. Camping trip.

Can’t head to an official Schoolies party? Consider camping with your mates instead!

If you can handle the whole, uh, sleeping on the floor thing, camping is the perfect way to make lifelong memories with your friends. Set up your tent, play some tunes and roast marshmallows around the fire.

There are heaps of camping sites or caravan parks you could find that won't cost you too much money. If you love four-wheel driving, you could even set up near a beach and do some stargazing.

However, just make sure you’re adhering to your state’s coronavirus restrictions and check whether there are any limitations on regional travel.

2. House parties.

If Schoolies week events aren’t an option, it’s time to crank up the speakers and get a house party going.

House parties are the ideal way to celebrate with your mates, just make sure you practice social distancing and—of course—have enough bottles of hand sanitiser.

Create a fire playlist, order some food and even choose a theme if you want to get extra creative.

Plus, you don’t have to stop at one house party. You and your friends could take turns organising parties at each other’s houses to keep the fun going.

We’ll say it again: remember to adhere to your state’s COVID-19 restrictions and double check how many people are allowed at a household gathering.

3. Road trip.

Who said road trips are boring? No one! There are a number of reasons why packing your bags and heading on a road trip with your friends is a great alternative to official Schoolies events.

We’re pretty sure you’ve watched the scene in Wayne’s World where the characters belt out “Bohemian Rhapsody” in the car. Well, now it’s time for you to recreate that (we know you've always wanted to).

Get a playlist of your favourite songs together and sing them at the top of your lungs.

With all that time spent driving, road trips are also the best way to really catch up with your mates and chat about what it’s like to have finally left high school.

Plus, you can take short breaks and do some sightseeing along the way to your destination. Just make sure you’re abiding by your state’s COVID-19 restrictions.

4. Simply relax.

For those of you who weren’t too fussed about going away for Schoolies week anyway, here’s your chance to just relax at home. You definitely deserve some time to chill after the hectic year you’ve had.

Spend the week meeting up with friends. You could go to the beach if the sun is shining, host a movie marathon or throw countless BBQs. If that still doesn’t sound relaxing enough, you could become lost in a book or just catch up on some sleep you missed out on while studying hard for exams.

Whatever you do, choose activities that are relaxing and fun for you. Oh, and remember to practice social distancing.

5. Book an Airbnb.

If you’re still feeling something a little fancier for Schoolies week, you could consider booking an Airbnb.

In fact, you don’t even have to go during Schoolies week. Just hop online and book some accommodation for whenever suits you and your mates.

You also have full control over the location, which is a major bonus. Whether you want beachy or city vibes, you can find a place that makes you feel like you're on holiday.

You’ll want to make sure you’re adhering to your state’s coronavirus restrictions.

So, there you have it. Now, go forth and celebrate this solid achievement!

Remember to look out for your friends, never let any drinks out of your sight and make sure no one is pressuring you or your mates to do anything you're not comfortable with. 

Also, keep up to date with your state's coronavirus restrictions. If you need information on getting a refund for Schoolies accommodation, find out more here. 

Header Image: MilosStankovic / E+ via Getty Images