Summer- as a child it was your favorite time of year. No school and basically everything was good in the world. But fast forward 10 years to college and it becomes a bittersweet time when you have to make money, take summer classes and become a real human for four months again. So here are 21 things to do to keep you occupied during the long haul:
1. Lose weight.
I don't care what you say, you gained weight at school and the summer is the perfect time to hit the gym, run around your neighborhood or go on longer walks with your dog; just be active.
2. Eat right.
At school, it's endless amounts of pizza, wings and everything in between. The summer can be good for eat some fruit and getting rid of that beer gut; don't worry in August drunk pizza will be a thing again.
3. Change your hair color.
Try something new! Summer is the perfect time! You can decide you really like it and keep it into the new school year or you can change it back- whatever you decide you can say you tried something new.
4. Read a book.
There are some awesome books out there- pick one up. Your netflix show will be there when you are done.
5. Get involved in the election.
The election this year is so exciting! We have the potential to have the first female president or the worst human in office! Volunteer at call booths, register to vote or simply read a CNN article on the candidates, just make your voice matter.
6. Read the newspaper.
Make it a daily goal to read a little part of the newspaper. Our generation is so poorly informed that picking up the newspaper for 4 months may be beneficial.
7. Babysit.
This is probably the most simple way to make money- and in the end you're just playing with kids and eating free food. So get out there and find kids to watch, more than likely they are going to get a kick out of hanging out with someone so much older and ~cooler~.
8. Try new restaurants.
I'm sure you have some hometown favorites, but try that mexican restaurant you were always to scared to try! You never know, it may become a favorite.
9. Invest in yourself.
This means get your nails done, go get waxed and maybe even get a facial. Make yourself feel good, because chances are you'll want to take better care of yourself in the long run and thats a win-win.
10. Hangout with your siblings.
Chances are, they miss you. Take your little sister to the pool or go on a weekly lunch date with your middle sibling. You're going to thank yourself when you get older.
11. Ditch social media for a day.
I LIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA- I'm pretty sure I stalk my ex more than is healthy, but for one day just put it down. Go on a hike or give your mom a heart attack and say you want a girls day, Whatever you do, do it with no technology.
12. Craft.
This one is my favorite because the possibilities are endless. Craft for your future littles, your big, your future and probably invisible boyfriend, your dorm, your apartment, your best friends apartment, just sit down and craft.
13. Go to a country concert.
This just screams summer. Grab your friends, some cheap tickets and even cheaper beer and go to a country concert. Even if you hate country, you'll get good pictures.
14. Pick a new sport.
Everyone has that one sport they like, for me its football. I could watch it for hours and know everything about it- but pick a new sport. Become completely involved in another sport like maybe hockey, lacrosse or even volleyball. Even if you can't play, just watch.
15. Go to church.
I know, this is a big one. But chances are if you're religious and didn't go to a religious college you haven't been to church since before you can remember. Make it a Sunday tradition- you'll thank yourself.
16. Make new foods.
Chances are you're home with your parents and when you go to Publix the tab is on them- so buy some fun food and see what you can make! Who knows, you might be able to make it at school.
17. Start preparing for a class.
Oh man, school work?! Well if you have a really tough class next semester and would rather be at the frats on a Thursday instead of the lib, start preparing now.
18. Find a new genre of music.
I listen to country- 100% of the time, and I'm sure you have a favorite genre- but pick a new one!! Get super involved in it and learn to move out of your comfort zone.
19. Forget about your ex.
Girl, do you! Stop worrying about him. Throw out his clothes, delete him on social media and start bettering yourself.
20. Visit your grandma.
Go visit her! She'll appreciate it and will probably make you good food anyway.
21. Learn the way of the stalking gods.
I wouldn't be my crazy self if this wasn't on my suggestions for you. Stalk! Stalk the boy you want to see next year or your next fraternity to traumatize. Make a plan of how you are going to accomplish everything you want and make it happen, make this the summer of you!
