As your average broke college student, I'm not really looking forward to a summer full of just working a 9 to 5 job. I wanted to find activities to do over the summer for less than $100, and I found 10 to share.
1. Read a book.
OK, I promise that this is the most boring one that I'll give. Personally, I find reading to be fun, so I'm sure I'll be doing this activity a lot this summer.
1a. Spend a day roaming a bookstore.
You'll find some great reads and hopefully relax for a bit.
2. Go to the beach.
Just pack a towel and a swimsuit, and head to the nearest beach. The only cost is gas money. Don't forget your sunscreen!
3. Get crafty.
Start one of those DIY tutorials that you've had pinned on Pinterest for half a year for now. If the outcome isn't what you wanted, try a different one.
4. Take a road trip.
Whether it's for a day or for the weekend, go visit someplace nearby. It's less expensive than you think. Take someone you can tolerate; it makes it even more fun.
5. Take classes over the summer.
If you live too far away from your college to take classes, take some through a community college nearby. Credits are cheaper through community colleges, and you're one step closer to getting your degree.
6. Get a new hobby.
Whether it's crocheting, writing or amateur bowling, it's always fun to try something new. If you don't like it, that's OK. You can always try something else.
7. Start a garden.
Fresh fruits and veggies are always a plus to the summer. If you start now, you can experience the literal "fruits of your labor" soon. This summer, I'm continuing a garden from previous years, and I'm pretty excited to try planting sweet potatoes.
8. Sign up and train for a race.
Depending on your experience level, you may want to try a 5K, 10K or even a triathlon. The training varies in intensity, but it is a surefire boredom reliever. This activity will take dedication.
9. Try a new sport.
As an avid runner, I faced injuries from overtraining. To mitigate this, I was told to cross-train. Through cross-training, I got into soccer, weightlifting and volleyball. It's very rewarding when you find a sport or activity that you enjoy.
10. Go camping.
Camping is a great time if you pack the right gear. If not, the results can be horrendous. Check the weather before you leave, and don't forget the necessities.
If you incorporate any number of these 10 things into your summer, you can be sure that you will still be a broke college kid, but not a bored broke college kid.