Yes, I know it's only January, there is still another semester left and snow is falling on the ground as we speak, but I cannot stop thinking about summer. Although I don't consider it my favorite season, I'm excited for it now more than ever.

I've been home for about a month for winter break. Although I love my college life, I'm looking forward to spending more time at home. However that doesn't change the fact that the majority of the year I live in Boston, which is very expensive. So in an effort to save money this summer for all the things I want to explore in the city, I've made this list of things to do that require little to no money. I hope this list helps you as much as it helps me!

1. Go Hiking

Look up some local (or far away) hiking trails, pick one and go! It will probably take the whole day but it will be an adventure. You could bring just a bottle of water and a friend, or you could bring a camera and take some cool pictures on the way. You'll get some good exercise and at the end, hopefully feel on top of the world.

2. Picnic

Do you really need a fancy restaurant to have a good meal? No, of course not! Pack a lunch and an old blanket and head outside. A picnic in the park can be just as fun as an expensive meal.

3. Thrift Shopping

This one isn't free but it is certainly cheap. Some people don't like to buy second hand clothes, but i adore stores like Goodwill. Thrifting is the perfect way to satisfy your craving for shopping without blowing half your paycheck at the mall. there's usually some cute things in thrift stores and digging through all the racks is fun.

4. Photography

Go somewhere aesthetically pleasing and have a huge photoshoot. Trust me, Instagram will thank you later!

5. Museum Visit

Many museums are free, so it's up to you to find one. Depending on where you live, it could be really easy or a bit of a challenge, but no matter what it will be a blast.

6. Movie Night

Sure, going to the movies is fun, but that's not the only way to watch a film. Get some friends together, microwave some popcorn, and get Netflix set up! Have a night filled with horror classics or cheesy romantic comedies. Plus, when you stay at home, you can laugh, cry, or scream as loud as you want.

7. Stargazing

This one is by far one of the easiest. Just go outside and look up! On a clear night (unless you live in a big city) the stars should be everywhere. Why pay money to visit the planetarium when the best view is from your backyard?

8. Read!

Not everyone likes to pick up a book, but if you do like books, summer is the best time to pick up the ones you've been wanting to read! If you don't want to buy a new book, see if the local library has it in stock. A seemingly endless amount of books are at the library, all for you to check out for free.

9. Work Out

Exercise? Ew. Yeah, that's what my brain says too, but summer is actually the perfect time to get into shape because you can try so many new things. Go for a run in a new neighborhood, attempt yoga for the first time, or play soccer outside. Just go outside and enjoy being active!

10. Swimming

Unfortunately, many of us don't live close to a beach or the ocean. You can still find a friend with a pool and spend all day in the water!