It’s that time of year again when the heat becomes too unbearable to be out in the sun without a bikini. Summer is supposed to be the best time of year here in Florida, but I often hear people complain that they get bored during the summer because they are not preoccupied drowning in school books.
Of course, being a broke college student, you can always work during the summer. But what’s the fun in doing nothing but work for summer break? I worked about 25 hours a week last summer, but I spent all my money going shopping and on vacations to Miami and Tennessee.
These trips were a blast and I made a lot of good memories, but I had to think of other fun things to do this summer that won't break my wallet. There are always less expensive ways to have a good time during your summer break. Here are just a few ideas to help get you off the couch.
1. Springs
There are many natural springs in Florida for you to take advantage of. You can go for a day or you can reserve a spot and go camping. The springs are a hot spot for college students during spring break and holiday weekends. After Memorial Day weekend, the water at Ginnie Springs in Gainesville, Florida, is now comprised of 35 percent alcohol. So unless you want to get drunk off spring water, you might want to try another springs. I have only been to Ginnie Springs, but I want to try out some other fresh water springs this summer. Ichetcknee is also in Gainesville, Florida, and Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon, Florida has become a popular spot.
2. Florida Resident Deals
As a Florida resident, you can get some discounts on tickets to Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, Seaworld Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For 4 days at Disney World, it only costs $209 (plus tax), compared to a one-day ticket that costs around $100. All of the theme parks in Florida also offer options where you can pay a set amount monthly for an annual pass. I have a Preferred Annual pass to Universal and I try to go once every couple months. The pass that I have costs less than $16 a month, My pass includes parking and it also has no block-out dates.
3. Staying Local
Not everyone has the time and money to get out of town for the summer. Everyone who was raised here usually complains about how much they hate this city, but this city offers a lot more entertainment than other places where I have lived in the past. St. Augustine is always a nice place to take day trips, with plenty of restaurants, tours, and places to walk around. The Cummer Art Museum on Riverside offers free admission on Tuesday, and there is a gorgeous garden behind the museum to take pictures. There is also the Jacksonville Art Walk in downtown Jacksonville that occurs the first Wednesday of every month. The beach is always free too, of course.
So don't let being broke stop you from having a great summer. You won't be able to go back and redo your college years. Before you have to adult, why not live it up and make the most of your last years having a summer break?
