Summer is fast approaching. The weather is getting warmer, the sun is out most of the week, and the grass and trees are finally a bright shade of green again. All of these things mark the end of your freshman year of college. Can you believe it? You did it! You survived your first year of independence. Even though you may have struggled to balance your bank account, pulled multiple all-nighters, turned your white clothes pink, and maybe gained a few pounds, your freshman year of college was definitely a great experience. You most likely made a ton of new friends, learned valuable life skills and lessons, made memories that will last forever, and discovered a lot about yourself. I know that I will miss college over the summer.
Even though I am ready to be back living in the comfort of my own home for almost four months, I know that I will miss the newfound independence I have found at college. Not to mention all of my new friends and my cozy dorm room. However, I will definitely not miss cafeteria food or bad water pressure. Although I am looking forward to a summer of no responsibilities and being reunited with all of my hometown friends, I know that halfway through the long, hot summer, I will begin to miss everything about college. Here are some things that you can do to deal with the summer blues.
1. Plan Visits with College Friends
It will be strange not to see your college friends everyday. You got so used to meeting up with them in the caf and hanging out in their dorm rooms, so not being with them everyday will definitely be strange. It's important to plan visits with your new friends to cut down on college homesickness. If you go to visit them in their hometown, it's basically like a mini vacation. You can take turns visiting each other and meeting each other's friends, families and favorite hometown hangouts. Plan enough of these, and you'll feel like you never left.
2. Get a Job
Being cooped up in your house all summer can get extremely boring. Besides hanging out with friends, relaxing, and going on family vacations, the summer can get monotonous and dull. The best way to keep busy while simultaneously earning a little cash for your upcoming fall semester is to suck it up and get a job. Whether it be a babysitting job or a job that will give you experience for your future career, a summer job has many benefits. Not to mention, your parents would probably bother you to get off the couch and get a job anyway.
3. Spend Time With Family
You'll probably have to go on at least one family vacation this summer, so you may as well suck it up and make the best of your time at home. Think about it; you have been gone for two semesters. Your family missed you. Even though you were home for breaks, that was not nearly enough time for them to see you and catch up on everything in your life. Now, you are finally home for a few months before you have to leave again in the fall. Really try to be pleasant and enjoy your time with your family. Who knows, you may actually enjoy it!
4. Do All of Your Old High School Activities with Your High School Friends
Nothing is more comforting than being reunited with old friends and doing all of your favorite activities that you did in high school. It feels so good to reminisce on old times and be together again for a few months. You can finally truly catch up on everyone's first year of college.
5. Prepare for the Upcoming School Year
Although it may sound a little nerdy, you have to prepare for the semester ahead sometime. Look for new decorations for your apartment or dorm room and maybe even craft a few things. Finalize your schedule for the upcoming semester, and if you can, go ahead and buy or rent your books for your classes. Taking these steps will make the transition from summer back to classes so much easier.
Keep calm, and summer on!
