Summertime is finally here, and after final exams, papers, and just end-of-the-year stress, summer is well deserved. Thinking about the upcoming summer months is super exciting -- until you check your bank account and realize you are broke. Sadly, most of the activities you're used to doing during the summer cost money. Now, this can be a very sad time for most of us college students. You start scrolling through the transaction history, thinking there had to be a mistake somewhere, only to find out that it really is all your fault that you only have $40 to your name. Fear not, my friends! Just because you're not rollin' in the deep does not mean you’ll have a boring summer. I’ve compiled a list of some things to do during the summertime to keep your schedule busy and your bank account happy. Well, as happy as it can be right now.
1. Pick up that old hobby you used to love, but didn't make time for after high school.
Whether it's getting friends together for a basketball game, picking up the paint brush again, baking cupcakes, or whatever you are into -- make that cheap hobby happen!
2. Thrift shop.
As someone who loves to shop, but cannot enter certain stores without crying because I'm broke, this one is a good one. There are so many gems waiting for you at thrift stores: clothes, movies, books, knick knacks, and random but awesome old stuff that are all crazy cheap. Make Macklemore proud.
3. Get in shape.
I saw you cringe at this one. But seriously, running outside is free, and hey, if you're working on your summer bod while doing it, then sweet! Grab a funny 90s workout tape from that thrift store you went to and make your best friend do it with you. Wait, that sounds awesome.
4. Tan in your backyard and pretend it is a fancy country club.
Make a drink from your mom's liquor cabinet, play some music, and eat some snacks in the sun. Isn't that what summer is all about?
5. Take advantage of parks, festivals, or other public events your city or town puts on.
You would be surprised by how many random events your city puts on that are free or really cheap to go to. It might be a band you've never heard of, but new and different ways to enjoy the sunshine are always a plus. Especially when you're not dropping big bucks to go there.
6. Hit up your friends with pools.
True friends are OK with being used for their pools as long as you bring the snacks.
7. Bonfires.
Summer nights are never complete without bonfires. The best part about these are that they are totally free to have in your backyard with friends. Beer and snacks highly recommended for this one, although not required (they kind of are, though).
8. Start cookin'.
Eating out all the time really adds up for someone trying to cut spending. It is a lot cheaper to stay in and cook something for lunch or dinner. If your friends are trying to meet up for lunch, offer to do it at someone's house instead. Plus, then you can all eat like the pigs you are and not be judged in public for it.
These are just a few of things I have on my list for this summer; feel free to offer up some more. We broke students have to stick together.
