Summer has always been something students look forward to, but, no matter how much we love our free time, we eventually run out of things to do. August is a mix of panic and excitement as we simultaneously fear and yearn for the start of the school year. As the days slowly tick by, we still have to figure out how to spend the little time that we have left. So here is a list of seven activities I've done to fill the last seven days of summer:
1. Movie Marathon
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I never understood how someone could or could not be a "movie person" until this summer. I had the opportunity to experience a variety of films through my summer American Cinema course as well as $5 Tuesdays at my local movie theater. If you are looking for something older and classic check out "The Lady Eve," "Singin' in the Rain" and "Psycho" (warning: most of these are in black and white, but don't let that scare you off!). As for the newest hits, my summer favorites were "Nerve," "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates" and "Now You See Me 2." Needless to say, I am now a movie person and you should be, too!
2. Netflix
Tread lightly with this one: it's dangerous. Although Netflix is a beautiful source of downtime, it can be highly addictive. After already having a movie marathon, I recommend finding a TV show you can tastefully binge watch during the school year (namely, "Friends." "The Office," "How I Met Your Mother," "New Girl," etc.). Comedies tend to be better stress-relievers than dramas and they usually have short episodes, making them less of a time commitment. Remember, Netflix is to be used as a relaxation tool and not a procrastination device! At least that's what I tell myself everytime I click "Next Episode."
3. Read
This might be your last chance to read for pleasure before another year of textbook papercuts! For those of you looking for ways to feel accomplished in your days of boredom, reading is a perfect solution for you. Finishing a book is one of the most satisfying sensations because it allows you to complete something on your own terms for the purpose of your own enjoyment. If you are trying to decide what book to read next, look up which books are going to be made into movies in the near future (just try not to judge the movie adaptation too harshly when you go see it).
4. Friends
Whether it's an old favorite or a new adventure, plan one last large group outing with your hometown friends. Once you've done this, you should also make sure you set aside some time to hangout with your besties alone. You might not know when you are going to have that one-on-one time with them again.
5. Work
I know work is probably the last thing you want to do on your last week of summer, but this also might be your last money making opportunity of the year before the sea of studying drowns your free time. One of the main things I've learned as a college student is that if you're not broke now, you're going to be soon. So up your hours and make some money while you still can!
6. Shopping
Now that you have all of that hard-earned cash, you can take advantage of the back-to-school sales and spend it on stuff for the year! Just remember, the more you buy the more you have to pack.
7. Family
My only advice for your family is to just spend time with them. Some of the best conversations with my family took place either in a car or on the couch in our living room. Don't overthink it. Just be with them and soak up the love.
