Summertime is weird. Especially for college students. Summer break in high school was chill, you know? You lived less than 30 minutes from all your friends. You could call them up, surprise them at their house, or meet them anywhere. Plain and simple. That’s not how summer works for college kids. For whatever reason, we tend to befriend people who live on the opposite side of the country. So calling up your best friend isn’t a possibility. I mean, not unless they have a private jet, a lot of money, or airplane miles to come visit you. This sounds really familiar, right? So whether you’re interning, working a part time job, chilling at home (for free, bless that fully stocked refrigerator) I’m guessing you have time on your hands. Lost for what to do this summer (besides binge watching on Netflix or HBO Go)? Same here. That’s why I made this list.

Go For a Hike

Summer is both the best and the worst time for hiking. It’s so hot that it’s almost impossible to make it to the end of the trail, but at least it’s sunny and not rainy, right? Wherever you live, I bet there are plenty of trails to be explored. Always take the road less traveled by.

Explore Your Town

I know, this sounds boring. Maybe you live in a really small town. But there are always shops to be explored, coffee to be tasted, people to meet! It’s better than staying in the house, right? (Right).

Road Trip

Pull a Crossroads a la Britney Spears and go for a road trip with your high school friends! Better yet, road trip to your college friends! Stop at crappy motels, eat fast food for the week, and see a part of the states you’ve never explored before! If you split the bill with your friends for gas and hotel, it should be affordable.

Try Something New

Always wanted to try rollerblading but never had the time? Now’s your chance! Once we’re out of school, we don’t get summer off. So try those dance lessons, learn to paint, or try yoga while you still can.

Go To the Farmer’s Market

What’s better than a farmer’s market (hint: not much). Find fresh berries, get free samples, and be part of your community.

Read

Yeah. Remember that thing we did before we were glued to our phones? Go to your local bookstore and find a used book to keep you company for a few hours. Better yet, go to Goodwill a find a book for a dollar.

Learn to Cook

Finally, your meals aren’t dependent on what the Caf is serving. Look up some recipes on Pinterest and learn how to cook. It is a lifelong skill, after all. Or learn how to bake the best chocolate chip cookies.

Go the Pool/Beach

Get your tan on, read a book, and find someone who has a swan pool float and have yourself a good ‘ole time. Even if you don’t have a pool, find someone who does or go to the nearest body of water.

Go to State or County Fair

Yeah, they’re hokey but who doesn’t love deep-fried food and a tilt-a-whirl? You can see some farm animals, watch pigs race and watch live music all while eating cotton candy.

Become a Pen pal

Write to your friends! Everyone loves getting snail mail. Deck out the letter with stickers, draw using colored pencils, and keep in touch this summer!

Host a Get-Together

Buy some chips and salsa, make some drinks, blast some music and host a mini high-school reunion! Catch up with everyone, brag about how your college is the best, and laugh about high school.