Even though most of us still have over a month left before returning to classes, within days we can surely expect to see those dreaded back-to-school ads on every commercial and store flyer we encounter. With the impending doom of library cubicles, deadlines, and exams hanging over your head like the summer sun, it’s natural to want to squeeze every last drop of enjoyment you can before going back to the real world in the fall. It’s not that you aren’t excited to see your friends, to be back on campus, and to continue enjoying your college career, but free time comes few and far between when you’re busy getting an education. So before you start to panic, wondering how you can possibly get the most out of your remaining weeks of break, consider these eight suggestions that are sure to make your last month of freedom a great one.

1. Plan a mini road trip/day trip
   1. I can’t even count on my fingers and toes the amount of times my friends and I have planned to go on a road trip and not followed through. Someone always has to work, or can’t afford the trip, or something along those lines. This is why a mini-road trip or a day trip is a conveniently awesome way to make memories and have some fun. Pick somewhere new to explore, like a city you’ve never been to, a hiking trail in the mountains, anything! This gives you a chance to switch things up on your day off, and maybe even discover your new favorite spot a few towns over. A day trip will provide you with quality time with the people you love in a reasonable time frame that works for everyone.
2. Spend one full day in nature
   1. It’s no secret that most people in our generation are at least somewhat dependent on technology (myself included). So why not put yourself up to the ultimate challenge of spending an entire day in nature, with no connection to the outside world? Science has shown over and over that there are numerous physical and mental health benefits to spending time outdoors, such as providing much needed Vitamin D and increasing brain function. To me, spending time outside is a way to recharge, unwind, and practice mindfulness. There is something very special about disconnecting from society and reconnecting with nature, and there is no better time to do it than on a sunny day in August.
3. Have a picnic
   1. Although I almost lumped this idea in with number 2, I thought it was deserving of it’s own paragraph. In my humble opinion, picnics are ridiculously underrated. You can plan an entire day around a picnic: Picking a spot, getting your food, preparing it, driving there, eating and hanging out for a few hours, etc. It’s a perfect date idea, or a creative way to get together with a group of friends.
4. Attend a (free) event
   1. If you’re like me, chances are you’ve heard about those free concerts every Thursday in the park near your house, but you’ve never put in the effort to explore the possibility of going. Well, guess what you’re going to do this month? Most towns put on free concerts, events, and festivals all summer long. These events are a great way to get out of the house, hangout with friends, and try something new, for little or no cost. I mean, why not go see underground indie folk band The Pink Hornets play for a couple hours while sitting in the grass? Even if the event isn’t awesome, you will be able to spend time with your awesome friends (And did I mention it’s free?).
5. Make a scrapbook
   1. After the last couple weeks of beach trips, bonfires, and basking in the sun, you probably have a significantly higher number of photos in your iPhone’s gallery. So instead of leaving them to sit in your Cloud, only to be viewed again when you’re searching for that picture of Sally passed out on your couch with marker drawn all over her face, why not put them in a scrapbook? Websites like Snapfish, Groovebook, and FreePrints (photos are free, but you pay for shipping and handling) make it easy to go through and order prints of your favorite summer memories. Scrapbooking is a great way to spend a lazy Sunday, and it’s a project you can space out over a couple of weeks. You can keep it simple with a regular photo album, or get creative with a Smashbook. However you do it, you will be able to preserve your memories while tapping into your artistic abilities!
6. Revisit high school (not literally)
   1. If you’re like most of us, you probably have zero desire for going back to high school. I mean, who wants to have to relive terrible fashion choices, cafeteria lunches, and having to ask to go to the bathroom? Definitely not me! However, visiting a place or person that meant a lot to you during those years can be an awesomely nostalgic experience. It brings you back to your roots, and reminds you of when times were a lot simpler. Maybe you have a cafe you used to go to after school, or an old friend you skateboarded with nearly every weekend. Whatever it is, spending time doing something you used to love is definitely on the bucket list before you return to your shiny, crazy, wonderful adult life.
7. Spend time with family
   1. Ever thought about how while you were away at school all year, enjoying your independence, your mom was probably sitting up at night missing you to pieces? This is why spending time with your family before the summer ends is so important. It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and freedom of the season, and although you may want to spend it all with your friends, don’t forget about your family! Before returning to school, devote a day completely to your loved ones, and make memories with them while you have the chance. Trust me, your family will be happy to catch up with you more, and mom will be a little less pushy about you being home for dinner afterwards (at least for a day or two).
8. Take a whole day to do nothing
   1. Ah, nothing; What a wonderful thing to do. But honestly, when was the last time you spent an entire day in bed, watching Netflix, leaving your room only to raid your fridge for leftovers? (Actually, for me, it was only two days ago…) With only a month left of break, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with all the plans you want to make for the next couple weeks. This is why taking a day to yourself, doing whatever you consider “nothing” is vitally important for your last month of summer bucket list. Plan ahead to have a day (or a few days) before returning to class where you don’t have to rush around or get ready or do anything at all. Because in a few weeks, do-nothing-days will be scarce.

More than anything, make sure you enjoy your time at home with the people that matter to you doing the things you love. When you’re in school, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of papers, readings, and research. So for now, get lost in the open air instead and make the most of it!