Summer break is quickly approaching...okay maybe not so quickly, but it is coming sooner than we think. About six more weeks and the spring semester will be over, leaving us either feeling satisfied that yet another school year is finally over, or worried that our GPA as gone down another point or so. Regardless of you emotions towards the end of the school year, it'll soon all be over and we all deserve a break. For some this break might just be going back to your hometown, or it could be that two week too short break before the first summer session of classes begin. Whatever it is, it should be fun. Planning your summer now can prevent you from having that dull summer you've had in the past. Here are some tips for college students to plan a guaranteed fun summer break.
Road Trip
A road trip with friends to the nearest lake house or a stay-in water park is always a great idea. What's great is that you have the entire ride there, the actual trip, and then the entire ride home to bond! Now that could be either a good thing or a bad thing depending on who your friends are, but my guess is if you've decided to go on a road trip with them, you have a high tolerance for their annoying behavior. Not to mention, a road trip, depending on the location, is usually way cheaper than flying. Might take longer to get there, but as I mentioned before, more time for friend bonding and cheesy road trip singalongs.
Look For Your Summer Job
If your idea of fun is making a ton of money during the summer, then your best bet is to be looking for your summer job now. The thing is, the last week of the semester, everyone is going to be applying for all the good jobs. If you look and apply now, there is a possibility you could land one earlier than most. That means by time the summer comes you'll have all your training out of the way and be ready to work those hard, long hours, which in turn means more money. The most important part about a summer job though is their flexibility with hours and vacation time. Its true that you're trying to make a lot of money, but it is summer after all and you still want to have room for fun. If you land your job now, ask them how they feel about you taking a couple days off, let them know those days, then you should be fine. Enough room for work and play.
Get Your Beach Body Together
Nothing is worse than going into your favorite department store and seeing tons of cool looking bathing suits that are going to do nothing but make you feel insecure when you put them on. If you plan on soaking up some sun this summer then I guarantee you that you'll probably want to hit the gym. Unless your'e totally content with you body of course, then strut your stuff. However, if you are not then now is the perfect time to into shape. Yes, it might sound a bit easier than it actually is, but if you really want it and you actually go for it, you can make it happen.
Plan Your Summer Classes Accordingly
You can almost bet that even though you're enrolled in summer classes, you'll still want to at least take weekend trips every now and then with your friends. With that in mind, try not to schedule your classes so late in the day. I know, its summer and we all want to sleep in late, but if you sleep in too late and go to class mid day, then your stuck on campus late and can't leave for a spontaneous trip until late Friday night. Now maybe night road trips are fun for you if your'e not the driver, but then if you are it can really suck.
No one said you had to plan your summer day by day, just making sure you're prepared to have a good time with steps that you can take ahead of time. Summer shouldn't be filled with all work and no play. As college kids we deserve a vacation; and its better to spend your summers the best way possible now than to wait until we graduate and go out into the real world where there are no summer vacations. Be prepared, be smart, and lets start the countdown!