Summer—students all over the world wait eagerly for this three month break from books and binders. However, summer means detachment from social obligations as well as scholarly ones for college students. We have two choices: to work the summer away in the hope of making enough to get through next semester, or we can make the most of summer and do every fun thing possible (of course, without spending a ton of money, because we are still broke college students). Here is my fearless guide to having an amazing summer without spending all of your tuition money:
- Rediscover your hometown. This summer, take being home as a chance to revisit your old go-to’s, but also as a chance to try something new. Don’t be afraid to get all your girls in your car and just drive—you’ll be surprised by the cool things you might find.
- Reconnect with old friends and make new ones. It’s easy to drift apart from old friends in college—take summer as a time to reconnect with those friends. Old friends are great companions to do life with, so stay in touch. Also, hang out with people you may have seen in high school, but didn’t ever have the chance to get to know.
- Have a picnic. Time to raid the family pantry! Pack a lunch, and make an afternoon out of it with some good friends.
- Read. If you’re anything like me, you packed books for college and planned to read them. But you didn’t, so catch up with a good novel, or even just a cool travel magazine.
- Learn a new skill. I set this goal every summer, and every summer I fail trying. But even trying to learn a new skill is a great practice in life. It’s easy to get stuck in the routine of daily life, so it’s important to have a hobby on the side to keep you inspired.
- Get a job. This is the least fun option on this list, but also one of the best options. Getting a job is always a great way to make money, and it can help build your resume.
- Spend time with your parents. Remember those years in high school fighting with your parents? I sure do. Well those times have now (hopefully) began to pass. Parents pour so much time into us in every stage of life, and spending our time pouring a little back can go a long way.
- Consider every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to take risks. This isn’t the permission slip to take advantage of every opportunity you get. However, this summer (and life) only happens once, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
What are some of your favorite summer festivities? Let us know in the comments below!
