For college students, summer is simultaneously the best and worst time of the year. It's the best because there is no stress from classes and tests and we finally have time to hang out with hometown friends. Yet, it's the worst because nothing beats living in a college town, on your own, with your best friends. Even though you are so ready to get home and relax, summer somehow always seems to bring one thing with it: boredom. So here are some ways to liven up your summer.
1. Go on a trip.
Nothing is more fun than leaving your day to day scenery for something exciting and unusual. Taking a trip can be as big as going abroad for the summer to a different continent or as small as taking a weekend road-trip getaway to visit a college friend in another state. You all know the saying, "It doesn't matter where you are, it's about who you're with." So grab your friend (or your dog) and hit the road; it's sure to make a lasting memory of the summer.
2. Get a job.
Although this idea might already be on a lot of your agendas already, getting a job is a sure way to keep yourself busy, and not to mention, to make some money. For those of you who feel skeptical about getting a job because you feel like you won't enjoy it, open your mind. There are thousands of jobs -- big and small -- that could be the most fun you could possibly have. You might not even feel like you're working. A camp counselor is a perfect example of a fun summer job.
3. Take a class.
One sure way of keeping busy and being productive during the summer is to take a class. The best thing about taking classes at home is that they are usually much easier and a lot less expensive. Laying around all summer might seem ideal, but taking one or two classes in the summer will definitely keep you from getting bored.
4. Go to a music festival.
Music fests are becoming more and more common; there is one in every semi-big town, it seems. Going to concerts is undeniably fun and a perfect place to meet up with friends. If the concert is in a different city, stay with a friend who lives there or split the rent for a condo with your friends. Splurging on tickets to a festival is something you definitely won't regret and you finally have a chance to unveil your inner hippie.
5. Have a party.
It doesn't necessarily mean an all out rager; it could be a pool party on a uneventful weekend, or a high school reunion sleep over. Getting friends together is an easy way to keep yourself from falling into a Netflix coma.
6. Go camping.
While I, myself, am not the camping type, I can totally appreciate the simple fun of it. It's a cheap and easy way to add excitement to your summer. All you need is a tent, sleeping bags, and some friends to turn a boring weekend into an adventure. Just make sure to have your bear repellent handy.
7. Learn a new sport, craft, or skill.
Maybe this summer is finally the summer you learn to play tennis (without just whacking at the ball), or how to cook a meal (not from a box), or maybe this summer you run your first 5K, 10K, or marathon. Since we are given all this extra time, why not put it towards doing something good for yourself? If you are interested in something like learning to paint or how to golf, look up lessons you can take nearby, or just Google tutorials on it. You could come back to college next semester with a whole new skill. A little practice every day goes a long way.
8. Read a book.
Reading is actually one of my favorite pastimes --comparable to watching a movie, but better. We all know what it's like to read a good book; it puts you in a great mood while feeling accomplished in the meantime. While reading can be a "lazy" thing to do, it's a great way to keep the mind sharpened without the pressure of studying and tests. It's a good way to stay entertained and relaxed this summer.
9. Whatever you do, don't fall into a sleep, Netflix or junk food coma.
I know for a lot of people (including myself) this is what a lot of the summer consists of. While this is completely fine, and even deserved for almost everyone, don't let it be the majority of your summer. The summer is your time, to do what you want. So make some memories, take trips, hang out with friends, go swimming, read a book, ride a bike, run a mile, make some money, and have fun. That's what summer is for.
