You did it. You made it through the semester. You passed your exams (hopefully), you're home free and ready to enjoy these next few months of total and complete laziness (minus summer jobs, internships, classes, and general expectations of adult life that won't seem to go away). You have so many plans for what you're going to do. There's that gorgeous hiking trail you've been dying to check out (not because you enjoy the exercise but your Insta has been looking a little dull lately and you could use a waterfall or two to spice it up). Don't worry, we've compiled a list of things you can do, with your empty wallet in mind, if we're all being realistic about our summer expectations, so here it goes.
1. Binge-watch "Grey's Anatomy"
If you're part of the 99 percent of the college population, your best friend's names end with Grey and Yang. If they don't, you need to start watching immediately because they should. Suffering from FOMO? Ignore the texts to go hang out and spend the night cuddled up to an episode that is sure to end in death-defying surgery or just death (either way you're hysterically crying by the end so there's really no difference).
2. Read a book
I have compiled piles of unread books over the years that I swear I will get around to at some point. This is that point. If you need some suggestions, look below for books that will make you ugly cry, laugh, and everything in between.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden*
The Handmaid's Tale*
The Secret Life of Bees*
The Help*
*also a movie!
3. Go to that coffee shop that you always meant to try.
If you don't like coffee, I'm not sure how you've survived this long in college, but you're stronger than I am and I applaud you. For the more health conscious, visit that new tea place in town (is that a thing? I hope that's a thing for my tea people out there, since sitting in a coffee shop ranks on my top 10 favorite things to do and I hope you get that special feeling too).
4. Spend time with your family.
This one goes without saying. It can be nice to be home, grab your keys, and just go out for the night, but it can also be nice to leave the keys in your purse and grab a seat on the couch next to your family to watch a movie or play a board or trivia game. They're your only family and they won't be around forever so spend time with them, make memories.
5. Rediscover an old hobby.
Remember when you used to love to finger paint? Pick up a finger paint set and just go at it. Does origami tickle your fancy? Do it. Make friendship bracelets, rediscover the cobra knot or the staircase knot and make them for your friends or sorority sisters for when you get back to school.
6. Visit your local thrift/consignment store.
I don't know if you've ever been to a Plato's Closet, but if you haven't you're missing out on one of the greatest stores I have ever step foot in. They only accept clothes that are currently in style and usually in near perfect condition - everything from casual wear to work clothes. I got an Urban Outfitters top for $5 and an adorable dress (WITH POCKETS) for like $4 that I feel so awesome in every time I put it on. The clothes literally look brand new and you walk away feeling terrific without leaving a dent in your wallet. If there's no Plato's Closet by you, search around for other thrift stores or consignment stores and just see what you find.
Hopefully, you now have a few ideas on how to start off your summer without emptying your wallet and moving too far from the couch. This is just a start to get you back out into the real world after months at college - do other things too! Go to the beach, the city, do that hike, visit a museum - enjoy your summer and have an awesome time, because this is your time. Have fun!
