Finishing the semester is always a bitter-sweet experience. After stressing over finals and writing papers, you dream from the beginning of the semester about that moment when you take your last final. It’s such a relief when you walk out of that classroom knowing that you are free. Then, the question comes to your mind, ‘free to do what?’

If you do not have any plans for the summer and will stay in the Tampa Bay area, here are some suggestions that will keep you engage and will make you happy:

1. Get a Job

What’s so happy about getting a job? I have two words for you ‘summer money.’ If you do not need money (lucky you!), getting a job can be a venue to figure out where your career may be in the future when you graduate. Whether you choose to work full-time or Part-time, make sure you use the tools you have at school to find the most suitable job for you. Just make sure you know that the USF Career Center is switching online job boards. The new platform is called Handshake and will launch on the first day of summer, Monday, May 15^th. The university will be hosting a Handshake Launch Party in The Reef on Tuesday, May 16^th from 11am to 3pm. Create an account before the platform launches and take advantage of the services school offers.

2. Visit the Big Cat Rescue Center and Become a Volunteer

Tigers in 360

The Big Cat Rescue is one of the most amazing places in the Tampa Bay Area. Visit the center or become a volunteer at one of the world’s largest accredited sanctuaries for exotic cats. Big Cat Rescue has several species of cats classified as endangered, threatened or extinct now in the wild. The list includes: tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, servals and an ocelot. If you are an animal lover and think cats are beautiful creatures, consider donating your time. Check the volunteer requirements and volunteers positions that will give you the most amazing experience.

For more information visit - https://bigcatrescue.org/

3. Pick Up a Hobby

Are you a sport person? Do you like running? Would you believe you can run for brews? If this sounds like when fun meets pleasure, then you found the right activity for the summer. The Running for Brews is a club that claims to be ‘cheaper than therapy.’ Visit the Running for Brews Tampa Facebook page. Also, you can visit the Running for Brews Tampa – 5k Running Club meetup page to learn more about how you can start your new hobby.

4. Enjoy a Concert

We are at one of the best places to enjoy live music and live entertainment. Visit the following links to know more about the events coming up this summer:

Coachman Park – John Legend will be performing on May 13.

Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar - Nothing beats watching the sunset while enjoying live music.

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill - This place is one of the favorite spots for locals and tourists. The food and music reviews are always great.

Sunsets at Pier 60 –There’s always something going on at Sunsets at Pier 60. Check the calendar for festivals and concerts or a free movie under the stars.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts – Going to the Straz center is a must if you live in the Tampa Bay area. Check out their calendar and enjoy the Tampa Bay Symphony. This is also a great place to volunteer. Check out the opportunities that they have here.

Things that you should not forget to do

Clean up your room, do your laundry, go to the beach and catch up on your reading list, go to a baseball game and support the Tampa Bay Rays.

Now that you have a list of things to do, enjoy the summer and have fun!