Now that finals have passed and almost every one has moved back home, it's time to start thinking about what you can do so that your summer doesn't suck. Lucky for you, I've already made a list to help inspire you!
1. Road trip!
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Take a few days off from work to visit friends or family that are only a few hours away. It's a free place to stay and you can see something other than your commute between work and home.
2. Take lunch to your parents or significant other at work one day.
It's a small gesture, but they're sure to love it.
3. Be a kid again.
You know what I'm talking about. Bust out the bubbles, mac and cheese, and chalk to create a real #throwbackthursday.
4. Make it a point to visit new places in your hometown.
Did a new restaurant just open? What about that place you've always wanted to go to but never seem to actually do it?
5. Take a class.
You're probably thinking I'm crazy right now. Why take a class during summer? Well, this is the time to take a fun new dance class, or maybe catch up on course credits for school. If you aren't working, or have few hours, you'll end up stir crazy in two weeks. Trust me.
6. Museums, and aquariums, and zoos, oh my!
Find the closest one of these and visit, or take a longer trip with some friends.
7. Go outside.
We all need more Vitamin D, so get outside in the sunshine! National and local parks offer a variety of activities for humans and their pets.
8. Go thrift shopping with some friends.
Bring Macklemore's song to life by hitting up your local thrift stores and antique shops with some friends. Make a game of putting together ridiculous outfits. Selfies or it didn't happen.
9. Baby sit.
I know it doesn't sound ideal, but if you have younger siblings, cousins, or neighbors, spend some time with them. Kids have a totally different perspective on the world. And you'll get some extra cash.
10. Go swimming.
Hit up your local pool, beach, or other body of water to get that "my summer is better than yours" pic!
11. Scrapbook.
On those rainy summer days, spend some time working on a little project for yourself or someone else. Flipping through a scrapbook is so much more satisfying than scrolling Instagram.
12. Big/Little Prep.
If you're Greek, you know what I'm talking about. Take this opportunity to start crafting so that you aren't trying to do it all in the middle of next semester. Do the general stuff and add personal details later.
13. Summer Reading.
Make your own reading challenge for the summer. Find a new author you like? Choose a big or two and get started. Been meaning to finish that 700-page novel? Now you've got the time!
14. Star Spangled Hammered.
If you're 21, the 4th of July is a great opportunity to get drunk for a national holiday. Plus please be responsible. Or be the responsible one for your friends (they'll owe you big time!).
15. Go to a local farm or farmer's market.
Pick up some fresh fruits and veggies for a smoothie later that day.
16. Treat yo' self.
Summer is the perfect time to take yourself out for dinner or to finally buy that splurge item you've been waiting on.
17. See your friends.
If you're long distance from your closest friends, or if traveling isn't an option, schedule a video chat with your squad to catch up face-to-face on how they've been.
18. Be tech-free.
Yup, I said it. Put down your phone, computer, tablet, and whatever else you have for a day or two. It might feel weird at first but it will be a nice break from the overflowing technology world. Turn off your phone after posting a bomb selfie, so all the notifications pop up at once later!
19. Time with bae.
Long distance relationships can be tough, especially when you're used to seeing your person almost every day. So makes plans to meet up somewhere for some alone time. Lunch in a new city or a little B&B can help you reconnect if the summer blues get you down.
20. Nothing.
Take a day or two to do absolutely nothing. After college, none of us will likely ever have that opportunity again, at least not without the guilt trip afterwards. So make time to do nothing while you still can.
21. Watch the Olympics.
The 2016 Summer Olympics open on August 5th.
22. Concerts.
Whether you can get tickets for mainstream bands or you hit up local venues, there is always a concert happening in the summer.
There's obviously a ton more that you can do during the summer, but this is a great start. Remember to chronicle your adventures if you can. Instant cameras are popular and a lot of fun (and great for that scrapbook on #11!). And candid selfies on Instagram will definitely make everyone jealous.
