How to Spend Your Summer As a College Student

Explore new subjects or work to finish your degree early. Taking summer classes can really give you a leg up and could potentially allow you to graduate college sooner. Knocking out some of your pre-requisite courses won’t eat up your entire summer, either. You can also take a new subject you want to explore without the pressure of a full semester’s workload.^[2]

• For instance, if you’ve been interested in taking psychology classes, you can try one out during the summer to see how you like it.
• If you need to make up a course that you failed, summer is a great time to do that, too.

Make some extra money or gain some valuable experience. While it might not seem like the most fun thing you could do, with your break from school, you’ll have more time to work and save up more money. Pick up a part-time job or some more shifts if you already have a job. You could also apply for a summer internship in a field you’re interested in to learn more about the business and earn some great experience for your resume.^[3]

• For instance, if you’re studying business management in school, you could look for internships at local companies that could give you some valuable experience and look great on your resume.

Make some money and be your own boss. While the idea of working over the summer may not sound appealing at first, it could be a lot of fun if you’re running your own business with people you actually like. Get a group of friends together and start something like a babysitting group, a dog walking business, a cleaning business, or even a grass-cutting business. Combine forces with your friends to make a decent chunk of change while working with people who won’t drive you nuts.^[4]

• For instance, if you and your friends like to cook, you could maybe rent a food truck and set up shop around time to see if your business takes off.
• Who knows? Maybe your business idea turns into something bigger and could even turn into a career!

Take a trip out of town or even out of the country if you can. Use your free time to get out of town and clear your head. Visit a neighboring city that you’ve never been to or take a day trip out to a nature reserve to escape for a bit. If you can, try taking a longer trip out of the country to experience another culture. Even a short trip can be a breath of fresh air after a tough semester.^[5]

• You could also sign up for a study abroad program through your school so you can visit another country and earn credit for it!

Spend some quality time with loved ones. With all of your focus being on school (and some extra-curriculars), your family has missed seeing you! Make some time to see your cousins or distant family members that you don’t get to visit too often. Hang out with your parents and your siblings, too. It doesn’t have to be all summer, but you might be surprised at how much you enjoy relaxing with them without the stress of the semester weighing over you.^[6]

• It can also be nice to see your hometown after a long semester away.

Have some fun going out or just doing nothing. You don’t have to fill your summer with tons of obligations. Don’t forget to just relax and enjoy your time off from school! Go to parties, concerts, and restaurants with your friends. Sit around and binge-watch some TV. Use your break to a little bit of whatever you want.^[7]

• Be careful not to party too much! You can also do some fun, healthy stuff with your friends like taking a hiking trip or a group fitness class together.

Catch up on some inspiring and enjoyable reads. Sure, you may be thinking, “I’ve been studying for an entire semester, the last thing I want to do is read.” But you’ve only been reading what you had to read for school! Take some time to read something that you really want to read. It could be something fun or something you find super interesting. The important thing is that it’s something you chose for enjoyment.^[8]

• For instance, if you’ve been reading biology and algebra textbooks for months, take a break during your summer to read something fun like a romance or a fantasy novel.
• You could also check out an audiobook if that’s more your thing.

Get yourself looking and feeling good during your break. Your fitness can sometimes take a backseat during the semester (especially around finals). So you may have been too stressed and busy to work out during the semester, so use the summer to get yourself back into shape. Head into the new semester looking great and rejuvenated.^[9]

• Why not try something new to keep it interesting? Take a martial arts class or try out some yoga!

Use your time to start a band or write a story. Your summer break is yours to explore all kinds of stuff you may not have the time or energy for during the semester. Try writing that story you’ve been thinking of and submit it to a literary journal. Try your hand at painting or photography. Get your friends together and start a band for fun. Don’t be afraid to do something new. Your summer break is a great time to give anything and everything a shot without any major risks.^[10]

• You’ll never know if a creative project could turn into something bigger unless you give it a try!

Give something back and boost your resume while you’re at it. Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. You can make a real difference! Look for charities and volunteer groups in your area you can join. Spend some of your free time helping others. It’s also not a bad thing to have on your resume when you’re looking for future jobs or internships.^[11]

• For instance, you can help out at a local food bank or homeless shelter. You could also contact charities such as Habitat for Humanity or United Way to find ways you can get involved locally.