If your lease ended or you lived on campus, staying home during summer does not have to be as bad as it seems. There are easy solutions, such as binge-watching Netflix for three months straight, but it is still possible to stay productive while at home. I am staying home for the majority of the summer, as I do every year. These are somethings that helps me feel like I am not wasting my break. Also, don't worry about FOMO, because I live in my college town and it is empty during the summertime.
1. Read a good book.
During the school year, it gets really hard to find free time. By the time I actually have time to breathe, all I want to do is take a nap and watch Netflix. My brain gets too fried to actually want to enjoy a good book. My favorite summer series is "The Summer I Turned Pretty." It’s a coming-of-age trilogy that I can read over and over again.
2. Go to the pool or beach by yourself.
Nothing is more relaxing than laying out on a towel and not having to worry about a 11:59 p.m. deadline. Sunscreen, sweet tea and country music are staples to the best day in the sun. This is the best stress reliever after finals week. Going alone will clear your head and ensure a drama free day.
3. Take a bike ride around downtown.
Most big cities have biking systems, where you can rent a bike for a few hours for only a few bucks. You can enjoy the city, while getting exercise at the same time. It’s fun to go in the morning with a friend and grab brunch after.
4. Get a summer job.
I don’t work many hours during the school year. By the time May hits, my bank account takes a huge dip. Babysitting is an easy way to get flexible hours. If you don’t have connections, I recommend using websites like Care.com. I also got a job by driving around my town and looking for hiring signs outside stores. There are some businesses that do not check online applications regularly or they don’t update their websites. It’s always best to go in person to stores and speak to a hiring manager.
5. Plan a trip.
Road-trips are fun, especially if you go with the right people. Search online for hidden gems in your town, chances are you can find one within a couple hours from home. Pick up your friends, pack a couple meals and go for an adventure. One of the best memories I’ve had in college was going on a road trip to Atlanta with a friend. It was so fun to travel to a city I’ve never been and have no set plans. We explored downtown and found the best local coffee shop. Planning trips also gives you something to look forward too. There are always Groupons for inexpensive hotels in most cities.
