With the longest yet shortest time of the year that we call “Spring Semester” coming to an end, we as college students are holding on to one thing to get us through this difficult time. It is the bright light at the end of the tunnel, the music to our ears, and the reason we are holding on. I am talking about sweet summertime. With this hectic month winding down, it’s time to make your summer to-do list. Here is a list of five things that every college students should make it a priority to do this summer.
1. Take a break.
The very first item on the list of things to do this summer is to take a break from adult life. After that final exam is submitted, forget all of your worries and do more of what you love and what makes you the happiest, because it is well deserved. You will have all of fall semester to be overly stressed again. Have a bonfire, watch the sun set and rise, invest in a hammock for the ultimate nap, attempt one of those Pinterest crafts that you have had saved from a year ago. Just do something that requires zero stress and enjoy yourself without a care in the world.
2. Read a book.
Since when was the last time you read a book that you actually enjoyed? It was most likely before college. This summer, take a break from that computer/phone screen you’ve been looking at for the last seven months and go pick out a random book. There are literally millions to choose from. Find a comfortable spot in your house or outside with your favorite summer drink and get lost in the pages of an actual book with actual paper. You will find that it is refreshing and a major stress reliever.
3. Go on a spontaneous adventure with your friends.
Put in the least amount of planning as possible, get in the car with your closest friends, and drive without looking back. It doesn’t have to be anything outrageous; even if you simply take a trip to Cedar Point or go on a road trip to Myrtle Beach, just do it, because you never know when you will get another chance to do so. This will give you all a chance to catch up and have some much-needed fun before you all head off to the real world.
4. Go on a social media cleanse.
Take this time to stop worrying about the presidential election and what Kylie Jenner had for breakfast and focus on the things that are happening around you. Try to experience life firsthand instead of through a lens. If you go to a concert, listen to the band and save your Snapchat followers the burden of seeing a 90-second story. If you go on a hike, enjoy the true beauty of nature instead of spending time picking the perfect filter. Technology is a wonderful thing, but sometimes, it is too much. Our generation needs to learn to live in the rather than living for likes on Instagram.
5. Spend time with your parents.
Other than a couple phone calls here and there and maybe a trip or two home, you have spent a small amount of time with your parents since school started. Use summer 2K16 to hang out with them. Go fishing with your dad or have a girls’ night with your mom. They are the people that have been there from the beginning, they will be there until the end, and they love you unconditionally; cherish them this summer, because they deserve your time. You never know, you could find out that your parents are way cooler than you thought.
The next three months are going to fly, and before we know it, we are back on campus trying not to have a mental breakdown before noon. Take this opportunity to "treat yo' self" and make your well-being a priority; it's time. Take advantage of the beautiful weather, spend time with your BFFs, and for the love of summer, take a freaking break, because you deserve it.
