It's finally here: the end of another school year. It's time to pack up apartments and dorms and head to the other place we call home. While a lot of us are excited to be done with the stress of class and finals, it' going to be a huge adjustment to move back home. Now, we have to deal with working summer jobs, being away from friends, and getting used to living under our parents' roof. It's the best of times and the worst of times, so here are a few things to help you make it through a summer at home.
1. Reach out to old friends.
The summer is a great time to reach out to those friends from high school that we've been missing. It can be your best friend, a familiar old classmate, or even an acquaintance you never got the chance to really know. You'd be surprised how many new friendships you'll make with people you've somewhat-known for years. As much as people like to say "college changes people," it's true. Summer is a great time to see how you and your friends have really changed. You might even be surprised at how much closer you become because of it!
2. Get a summer job or internship.
A job is a great way to stay active while you wait to go back to school and see your friends. College life can be expensive, so a little extra Starbucks/going-out money from a part-time job is totally worth it. Who knows, you might even love your coworkers. Plus, some internships and jobs make your resume look amazing! Summer is the perfect time to boost your resume with things like volunteer work, summer camp jobs, and part-time jobs that relate to the career you're pursuing. Jobs are a win-win: you make money and it can be a really great distraction.
3. Travel.
Just because you're not in school doesn't mean you have to completely lose touch with your college friends. Summer break is the perfect time to travel across the country to visit the homes of your favorite people. Trust me, your friends will love being a tourist in their own home. When you start missing your friends, give them a call and set up a fun weekend trip! Go to the beach, head to the big city, or just stay in the comfort of a friend's home. I promise it'll be worth it.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for your privacy.
One of the hardest parts of being home for the summer can be living by your parents' rules. We love them so much, but sometimes, we just need our space. In order to keep your sanity, have an honest conversation with them. Let them know that it is a huge adjustment to come home and have someone looking out for you 24/7. Your parents miss you like crazy, but it's important they know not to hover over you. Otherwise, you're in for a very long summer.
5. Find a pen pal!
It might sound cheesy, but pen pals are a great way to keep in touch with friends over the summer. Hand-written letters really show people how much you care and how you're willing to take the time to write out everything you want them to know. A pen pal doesn't even need to be someone you know. There are so many websites that pair you up with someone just so you have an excuse to write whatever you want. Having a pen pal is an extremely therapeutic and expressive way to kill time while you're at home.
6. Try something new.
Lastly, one of the best ways to get through a summer at home is to always be looking for the next thing to try. Whether it's a local bible study, a new amusement park nearby, a trendy restaurant, an undiscovered hiking trail, or an adult club sport, there are plenty of fun ways to keep yourself occupied over the break. Keep finding things you enjoy doing, and you'll never get bored. It's the little adventures and memories that end up making the biggest impact.
Yes, it's going to be hard to leave the friends and the fun behind. But that doesn't mean summer has to suffer!
