For as long as I could remember, summer was all play and no work, but as a college student the script is flipped and it turns into mostly work and no play.
I get it, you might be enrolled in a couple of summer classes to speed up the graduation process or you’re in your college town working the job you’ll desperately need when school starts back in the fall.
News flash, you are not the only one. This is the reality for most college students, even me!
I am working three jobs this summer, community assistant position at my apartment complex, call center job on campus, and my paid summer internship.
All three are positions were opportunities I could not pass up, and it is something to keep me occupied in my small college town all summer long.
I’ll be the first to admit it gets boring rushing home every night just to rest and get ready for the next day of work but that is why I set some summer goals for myself.
If you’re anything like me, you don’t want to look back over your summer and say I let two months pass me by without doing anything worthwhile, or the only thing I did was work hard and didn’t enjoy a single weekend exploring a new city or go on vacation with my family.
The main goal for my summer jobs is to save money and to gain more experience from my internship.
Here are some ways to make your summer well spent in addition to all the work and limited play:
1. Make a summer investment.
Buy that new gadget you’ve been eyeing for a while, or a new pair of Ray Ban sunglasses, or install a new sound system in your car. Making a summer investment will make the long days of work worth it knowing you put your savings toward something that will make you happy.
2. Volunteer.
Volunteering during the summer is a win-win for everyone involved. You’ll get a chance to make a difference in someone’s life while racking up community service hours you’ll probably need to join your next club. Volunteering will also give you a chance to do something you can’t do during the semester. Spend a week delivering meals on wheels, cleaning at an animal shelter, or join a Habitat for Humanity group and help build homes for those in need.
3. Travel.
Grab some friends and hit the road. It does not have to be far or extravagant, just find somewhere you’ve never been and go! Not only will this get you away from your college apartment or dorm room for a few days but it’s a time to explore new things and see what the world has to offer.
4. Grab a book and read.
During the school year, it’s easy to make the excuse you don’t have time to read for pleasure. If you enjoy reading but can’t seem to find the time, the time is now! Download a few e-books and read by the pool or browse around in local thrift stores for some good paperback classics.
5. Self growth and development.
This one might just be the easiest, most beneficial, cost friendly, and helpful thing you can do this summer. Focus on yourself. This could mean sorting out likes and dislikes, working on anger management, setting goals for the fall, getting your priorities straight or anything you deem necessary that could help you grow as a person.
