Summer is almost over and if you're like me, you've been sitting at home (or work) doing absolutely nothing with your life. Don't have any money? Don't know what to do? Fret no more, I am here to give you a list of the things I've been doing from the moment I realized school is just right around the corner.
1. Have a photoshoot.
It sounds lame, but letting loose and being silly is so relaxing, and it makes you feel so much better about yourself. You'll also have so much more fun if the shoot is themed.
Cost: Free
2. Go bike riding.
If you have the luxury of having a bicycle (sadly I don't), enjoy the summer breeze and your hometown (or city) and ride. It's actually more fun than you would think. Bonus points if you have a tandem bike.
Cost: Free if you have a bike, $10-15 to rent.
3. Rent a kayak.
Similar to bike riding, though a lot more strenuous, kayaking is super relaxing and fulfilling. Enjoy the almost-over-sweet smell of summer with bird watching, turtle spotting and paddling away from angry gators.
Cost: $15-20 to rent or free if you happen to have a friend who is willing to let you borrow one.
4. Go on a road trip.
This is an obvious one; however, you don't see many broke college students doing this. If you take a weekend out of your summer, gather one or two friends, or just yourself, and head east, west, north, or south. Don't stop until you find your destination and stay at a super cheap, super sketchy hotel.
Cost: Gas: $10-50, depending how far you go and the number of people you go with.
Hotel: $30-160, depending where you stay, how long you stay, and who you stay with.
Food: $15-70, depending what you eat and how many times you eat.
Total: $55-250, depending how long you stay ect.
5. Go hiking.
I've always thought Louisiana was filled with stereotypical marshy lands, which for the most part it is, so I was surprised to find out about a beautiful hiking trail north of where I live. I was not hesitant about driving 2 hours north to hike deep into the woods to find probably the only waterfall in the state. It was such a beautiful way to encounter nature.
Cost: Depending how far you go and how many friends you can recruit, hiking will cost you from $0-20.
6. Go to local sporting events and/or concerts.
If you're like me and love sports, this is a must-do. Cheer on your team (or any team) while enjoying super expensive stadium hotdogs and beer. Bonus points if you bring out your team's attire and go all out with face paint.
Cost: If you're ok with watching from the third level, most local events tickets range from $15-50.
7. Have a water party.
Grab a couple of friends, hoses, balloons, and rent out a big blow up waterslide. It seems like it could be really expensive, but the fun will definitely overpower the price. Plus, you can always divide the price among everyone.
Cost: If you have ten friends willing to pay $15, you can enjoy a full day filled with slippery fun with an inflatable waterslide.
8. Read a book.
If all else fails and you absolutely have no money, read a book. But read a book outside. Fuel your imagination, keep your brain going and enjoy the natural light as it shines on your book.
Cost: FREE!!!!
9. Be a tourist
If you say that your town is so small there is nothing you can look at, you are wrong. Take a stroll down your city park. You can even go to your state's capital or big cities and admire historic buildings.
Cost: Little to no charge to sightsee through your town.
10. Go to your nearest beach.
Summer, beach, tan....duh. However, if you're as unfortunate as myself and the nearest ~nicest~ beach is 5 hours away, this can be a tad bit tricky. Luckily, like most of the things on this list, this is definitely doable if the cost of hotel is split among friends. If not, take a day without spending any money on a hotel room.
Cost: $20-100; prices can vary depending how many friends go, hotel room (if needed), and/or time spent at the beach.
Go out and finish these last couple weeks of freedom before school ties you up and you can't do anything but cry. If you work, that's ok because you deserve at least a day off to do something fun, relaxing and most importantly, cheap. Happy last weeks of summer.
