What has the EU ever done for me? It’s a question that will trouble the minds of the remaining undecided voters as they shuffle to the polling booths today. No wonder. Though it’s spent weeks making the case for Europe, the Remain campaign has focused on the big picture, the world view – even the abstract.

Yes, we know that that the markets will react in the event of Brexit. We know a recession would be imminent as investors pull their money out of London. We’ve heard businesses warn that they may be forced to restructure, moving jobs overseas if Britain leaves the EU. We’ve listened to the argument that efforts to tackle climate change are bolstered by being part of a European bloc.

But if you’re a student not yet in work, and hoping for a Brexit house price crash, how persuasive is all that? What about if you’re a pensioner, protected by your pension from the worst effects of a recession? Or unemployed, because your former company has already seen the benefits of labour mobility and actually left years ago? If you’re in any of those positions, the benefits of the common market as posited by politicians standing at little cardboard lecterns on crate stack platforms seem a bit remote.

But the EU touches all of us, in positive and tangible ways. The answer to the question “What has the EU ever done for me?” is quite a lot, actually – whoever you are. So if you’re still struggling to work out what the point of the EU is, on the eve of you chance to vote, here are four ways that the EU has made things better for you.

Better jobs

So you’ve got a job you love. Great. But would you be happy to do it every working day of the year, without time to rest and recuperate?

When those campaigning for an In vote warned that workers’ rights could be stripped away in a go-it-alone Great Britain, Leave campaigners hit back. Why not put your trust in the British people, in British democracy, to deliver a good deal for workers and employers? After all, they said, British government had, time and again, exceeded the minimum European regulations on matters of maternity and paternity leave, and pay and conditions.

What’s easily forgotten is that, until 1998 when the EU Working Time Directive was introduced, 2 million British employees did not receive any paid holiday at all. The change in EU law meant that all employers were forced to offer it for the first time. When it came to R&R, we certainly weren’t leading the field.

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And when the directive, which also capped the working week at 48 hours, was brought in, the UK challenged it at the European Court of Justice, even though the British government had already negotiated down the strength of the rules.

When you’re enjoying your next summer Saturday tending to a barbeque in the drizzle, it’s the EU you’ve got to thank.

Better education

We know that the EU allows workers to take a job anywhere across Europe without complicated visa and immigration restrictions, but the benefits of free movement are open to students too.

Thanks to the EU more than 15,000 students each year study across Europe, moving between institutions as part of the Erasmus scheme. As others have pointed out, though, this scheme is often a benefit for the well-heeled and linguistically-skilled.

But university education is changing. Europe has harmonised its higher education system through something known as the “Bologna process”, meaning it’s easier for students to study in more than one country. Most universities in major European cities are also offering entire degree courses taught in English – and with Brits now paying the highest university tuition fees in Europe if they choose to study at home, a European degree is becoming a popular and much cheaper alternative. Free movement has allowed that.

Meanwhile £730m of EU money is spent on research in the UK, much of which is channelled through universities – which boosts their international reputation for new knowledge. So if you do decide to study at home, you’re likely to go to a better university thanks to the EU.

Better health

Talking of research, we also have better health thanks to the EU. Not only are rules on climate change and the environment improving our air quality – no small matter, given that it is one of the biggest causes of early death in large cities – but investment in science means we’re developing new drugs and better treatments for a range of illnesses. And we’re doing it with European colleagues, which means it’s happening faster.

We’re protected from charlatans by rules which regulate drugs and their use, and also keep us safe if we’re using herbal remedies. Our food and drinking water is also safer and cleaner thanks to EU labelling.

The EU has also stopped tobacco companies chasing the business of youngsters keen to try out the habit, by regulating the way cigarettes are promoted. That is beginning to prevent the 700,000 early deaths across the EU each year from the effects of the habit.

Better holidays – abroad and at home

Thanks to the EU, it’s cheap and easy to go get your two weeks in the sun anywhere in Europe. Flights are cheaper thanks to the market for passengers and competition on popular routes that membership of the EU developed. Free movement of people means there’s no hassle or extra cost involved in organising a visa before you travel. It’s as simple as turning up at the airport and boarding your flight (just don’t forget your toothbrush).

Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Show all 30 1 /30 Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? David Beckham (REMAIN) The former captain for the England international football team announced on Instagram that he was “voting to Remain”. He said: “We live in a vibrant and connected world where together as a people we are strong. For our children and their children we should be facing the problems of the world together and not alone.” Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Victoria Beckham (REMAIN) 'I believe in my country, I believe in a future for my children where we are stronger together and I support the remain campaign.' Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Daniel Craig (REMAIN) Actor He was pictured wearing a white T-shirt with the slogan: 'No man is an island. No country by itself. Vote Remain on 23rd June.' Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Bob Geldof (REMAIN) Irish singer expresses his support for the Remain vote as he waves from a boat carrying supporters for the 'Remain' campaign in London AFP/Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? John Cleese (LEAVE) The Monty Python star signalled he will vote to leave the EU when he tweeted: "If I thought there was any chance of major reform in the EU, I'd vote to stay in. But there isn't. Sad." Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Daniel Portman (REMAIN) Game of Thrones actor supports Reamin vote Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Elton John (REMAIN) The singer also announced his intention to vote Remain on Instagram, sharing an image which said “Build bridges not walls,” along with the caption “I'm voting to remain. #StrongerInEurope” Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Roger Daltrey (LEAVE) Former frontman of iconic rock band The Who.” I am not anti European, but I an anti the present way we are being governed in Europe,” he wrote in The Mirror. “The whole system has been corrupted by political ego and massive government overreach. The Euro being a perfect example… I do not want to be dragged into the kind of Federal State that this present EU is pushing for - with the UK's voice getting smaller and smaller. AFP/Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? JK Rowling (REMAIN) The author of the Harry Potter books has expressed concern that "racists and bigots" are directing parts of the Leave campaign. She added: “How can a retreat into selfish and insecure individualism be the right response when Europe faces genuine threats, when the bonds that tie us are so powerful, when we have come so far together? How can we hope to conquer the enormous challenges of terrorism and climate change without cooperation and collaboration?” Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Vivienne Westwood (REMAIN) British fashion designer expressed her support for Remain vote Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Michael Caine (LEAVE) The actor has said he is a reluctant Leaver. He said: "I don't know what to vote for. Both are scary. To me, you've now got in Europe a sort of government-by-proxy of everybody, who has now got carried away. Unless there is some extremely significant changes, we should get out." Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Benedict Cumberbatch (REMAIN) Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Patrick Stewart led more than 280 figures from the arts world who backed a vote to stay. An open letter pledging support for Remain was also signed by music stars Hot Chip, alt-J and Paloma Faith, authors Dame Hilary Mantel and John le Carre, and fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood. Daniel Craig was pictured wearing a vote Remain t-shirt with the words "No man is an island. No country by itself" emblazoned across it in a picture tweeted on the Stronger IN account. Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Patrick Stewart (REMAIN) Actor is a leading supporter of the Remain campaign Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Elizabeth Hurley (LEAVE) The actress said “If it means we can go back to using decent lightbulbs and choose high-powered hairdryers and vacuum cleaners if we so wish, I'm joining Brexit for sure.” Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Stephen Hawking (REMAIN) The physicist was in favour staying, and said "progress comes from co-operation". He said: "By working together in Europe we make our economy stronger and we give ourselves more influence in the world and we provide future opportunities for young people." Numerous scientists have also voiced their support for Remain, claiming an out vote would badly damage the field. Getty Images for Breakthrough Pr Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Sol Campbell (LEAVE) – The former England international football star said he is backing Brexit so that young British sporting talent would be nurtured and given greater opportunities at British clubs. He said: "I'm looking at the sporting side - how youngsters aren't getting the opportunities at some of the big clubs and some of the big clubs are bringing in youngsters from 14, 15, 16 and becoming homegrown, which is pushing some of our youngsters out." Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Hilary Mantel (REMAIN) Author Hilary Mantel announced her support for Remain vote Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Bear Grylls (REMAIN) The adventurer and TV presenter said he spoke "from the heart" in backing the EU. "At such a time for the UK to retreat, run and cut ourselves loose from Europe, when there are so many challenges on our doorstep, to me just doesn't feel either courageous or kind,” he said. “Europe has many flaws, but I also believe the way to help resolve many of those tough issues is from within... I have never been a good quitter and I am so proud of the UK and our values: tolerance, kindness, respect, courage and resilience. This is why I want us to stay together and Remain in Europe." Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Billy Bragg (REMAIN) British singer decided to support Remain campaign AFP/Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Ian Botham (LEAVE) The former England Test cricketer and Test team captain supports Brexit Getty/Laureus Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Simon Cowell (REMAIN) Music mogul Simon Cowell announced his support of staying in EU Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? David James (LEAVE) The former England goalkeeper supports Brexit Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Idris Elba (REMAIN) The actor voiced his support for Remain vote Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? John Le Carre (REMAIN) British writer supports Remain campaign Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Paloma Faith (REMAIN) English singer supports Remain campaign Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Perry McCarthy (LEAVE) The racing driver supports Leave campaign Rex Features Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Keira Knightley (REMAIN) The actress intends to vote for Remain campaign Getty Images for Lincoln Center Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? James Cracknell (LEAVE) British athlete and rowing champion decided to vote for Brexit Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Florence Welch (REMAIN) British singer supports Remain campaign Getty Images for Gucci Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Helena Bonham-Carter (REMAIN) The actress expressed her support for Remain vote AFP/Getty Images

Trade rules means that you can bring back relatively large amounts of produce or alcohol for your own consumption from your travels without paying import duties – leaving the back of your drinks cabinet stocked for years to come.

And if you decide to holiday at home instead, 95 per cent of our beaches are now safe for bathing thanks to an EU directive forcing the clean-up of UK shores; we were once known as the “sick man of Europe” because of their terrible state.

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