“The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it” – Arnold Schwarzenegger 

While supervisors, lecturers and examiners expect to see a term’s worth of hard graft reflected in students’ exam scripts, it is well-known that the greatest achievements made by many a Cantab this term will be developing new-found ways to procrastinate. Undoubtedly, the entire range of movies and TV programmes on Netflix have been exhausted, rooms have been re-tided ad infinitum and even a year’s worth of emails cleared from Hermes inboxes. With so many hours in a day to fill, however, even the most adept procrastinator will at some point have to turn to revision… eventually.

But not just yet.

As summer approaches, it is important to note that more and more sports are waking up from their winter/spring hibernation. And Varsity – in keeping with its role and status as a valuable public service institution – has picked out the sporting events ideal for meeting those procrastination goals.

Indian Premier League Cricket

Since 2008, the Indian Premier League 20/20 Cricket Tournament has brought together the world’s best cricketers in the spiritual home of cricket to play the most exciting form of the game. Fans across the world get to enjoy the masterful talents of AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and Mitchell Starc… and that’s just for one team!

For those patriotic types, English interests include the presence of Jos Buttler, Sam Billings, Chris Jordan and Eoin Morgan, while the obscenely cheesy commentary of New Zealander Danny Morrison brightens up even the trickiest land law past paper.

Over three months of this cricket take place each year, with eight different teams competing in a round-robin league to reach the play-offs. Therefore, given there are 10-minute highlight videos available online for EVERY SINGLE SEASON, this treasure-trove of unrivalled cricketing procrastination is as entertaining as it is infinite.

Procrastinability Rating: 9

Build up to Rio

After London surprised everyone – apparently it did well at hosting those Olympic Games things and some British people did well at being in them – the baton has been passed over to Brazil. While coverage so far has been focused on the political side of things, the Olympics provide every sports fan with a plethora of new sports to sink their teeth into. Add in the impossibly-thrilling news that golf (omg omg omg) will be lighting up – in a way only golf can – the world’s oldest sporting competition, and Rio 2016 looks set to be another exciting Games, presenting a chance for athletes from across the planet to write themselves into the history books.

Indeed, over the years, the Olympics has produced some awe-inspiring and ground-breaking moments, and the BBC – following Varsity’s example of being a valuable public service institution – is going back into its archives, and counting down some of the greatest moments ever produced at the Summer Games.

Procrastinability Rating: 6

French Open Tennis

The world’s premier clay court tennis tournament returns, bringing with it the exciting prospect of watching a dwindling Rafael Nadal return to his favourite surface, and the court on which he has won nine titles. While Andy Murray is unlikely to progress any further than the quarter-finals, it will be exciting to see some of the world’s best-yet-not-well-known-because-they-can-only-play-on-this-one-ridiculous-surface players on display over the course of the two-week-long competition.

Procrastinability Rating: 7.5

Football, Football, Football

Though the domestic football seasons are drawing to a close, the world’s most popular sport will remain at the forefront of the sporting public’s conscience throughout the summer months. Euro 2016 – to be held in France – will see the best 23 teams across Europe, and England too, compete to be crowned Champions of the football world’s most obnoxious and self-confident continent. While the football itself, unfortunately, does not coincide with exam season, a good hour of procrastination can come in the form of picking a Fantasy Football team – it can take a surprisingly long time to realise spending all of your 'budget' on Ronaldo means resorting later on to desperately trying to identify the starts of the Icelandic and Albanian national teams.

Sticking with football, there is absolutely nothing more productive and rewarding right now than spending five minutes finding a Newcastle United fan and just laughing at them.

'Cos relegation… Lol.

Procrastinability Rating: 5

Just Go and Play Some

Seriously.

In many colleges, the sports team captains are indulging their last few weeks of power by organising informal sessions; the weather is ideal for lacrosse, football or even a bit of ultimate frisbee. Even rowing might be worth a shout: there is no better time to get out on the water – and out of bed at some horrific time in the morning – than during the summer, especially with the exciting prospect of May Bumps coming up. Plus, there is nothing wrong with indulging in a cheeky croquet session.

This is Cambridge after all.

Hitting the gym is a great way to alleviate any residual exam stress (some might say even better than actually being prepared for them) and prepare for a summer on the beach. In fact, taking along a friend to act as a spotter can help lift a huge weight off your shoulders…

Do note however that refusing to go to the gym DOES NOT count as resistance training. Unfortunately…

Procrastinability Rating: 10

For More Ideas

There’s a handy list of all upcoming and procrastinatable sporting events available here.