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As college students, we often find ourselves wondering how to spend our summer break.

There are a number of things you can do during your summer break that will help you be successful when you return to school in the fall.

In this article, we’ve selected 16 of our favorite suggestions. Comb these over and choose the one(s) that matter most to you. Let’s begin!

1. Catch up on sleep

Summer break is a time to relax and recharge, and that includes getting enough sleep. But with warmer weather and longer days, it can be tricky to know how much sleep you need.

A good place to start is by making sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Summer nights tend to be shorter, so you may need to go to bed earlier than usual to get in enough rest.

If you have trouble falling asleep, try reading or listening to calm music before bed. You should also avoid using electronic devices like your phone or computer in the hours leading up to sleep, as the blue light can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycles. By following these tips, you can make sure you’re getting the rest you need to enjoy a fun and relaxing summer break.

2. Exercise and stay healthy

As a college student, you may no longer be as active through extracurricular activities as you were in high school. However, there are still plenty of ways to stay healthy and fit.

One of the best ways to stay active is to make exercise a part of your daily routine. Even if you can only spare 20 minutes a day, that’s still better than nothing. Taking a brisk walk around campus or going for a light jog are both great exercises to do on a regular basis.

You can also try joining a sports team or taking up a new physical activity. Another way to stay healthy is to eat a balanced diet.

Make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and limit your intake of processed foods and sugary drinks. College can be a busy time, but it’s important to make your health a priority. By following these simple tips, you can stay healthy and fit throughout your college years.

3. Hang out with friends and family

Summer break is a great time to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family. However, it’s important to choose your companions wisely if you want to have a positive experience.

Spending time with people who are negative, judgmental, or critical can leave you feeling drained and stressed. On the other hand, surrounding yourself with supportive, friendly people will help you to relax and enjoy your summer break.

So if you’re looking for a positive summer experience, seek out friends and family members who make you feel happy and relaxed. Spend time doing things that you enjoy, and don’t hesitate to take some time for yourself if you need a break from socializing. By taking care of yourself and choosing your companions wisely, you can ensure that summer break is a fun and enjoyable experience.

4. Watch movies and TV shows

Summer break is the perfect time to catch up on all the television and movies you’ve missed over the past year. However, it can be easy to get sucked into a marathon session in front of the screen and waste away your entire break.

Here are a few rules of thumb to help you enjoy your favorite shows without vegging out too much. First, set a limit on the number of hours you’ll allow yourself to watch TV or movies each day.

For example, you might decide to watch two hours on weekdays and four hours on weekends. Second, make sure to schedule other activities around your viewing. Go for a walk, read a book, or visit with friends so that you’re not just sitting in front of the TV all day long.

Finally, don’t forget about the great outdoors! Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. Go for a swim, go hiking, or just spend some time relaxing in your backyard. By following these simple guidelines, you can make sure that you enjoy your summer break without spending too much time in front of the screen.

5. Read books or articles online

Summer break is a great time to catch up on reading, both for pleasure and to keep your brain active. However, it can be easy to fall into the trap of only reading light fiction or skimming articles online.

While there’s nothing wrong with some leisurely reading, it’s also important to challenge your brain with more demanding material. One way to do this is to set aside some time each day for “hard reading.”

This could include a classic novel, a non-fiction book on a subject you’re interested in learning more about, or a long article from a respected news source. Not only will this help to keep your mind sharp, but you may also find that you enjoy the challenge and end up devouring the material. So don’t let summer break be a mindless affair – use it as an opportunity to engage your brain and expand your horizons.

6. Learn a new skill or hobby

The summer break is the perfect time to learn a new skill or hobby. With no school and plenty of free time, you can explore something that you’ve always been interested in. Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:

If you’re interested in cooking, use the summer to master some new recipes. Head to the library or local bookstore and check out some cookbooks. Or, better yet, sign up for a cooking class.

Love being outdoors? Use the summer to learn more about gardening or landscaping. You can start your own garden, or simply help out a friend or neighbor with theirs. Learning about plants and how to care for them can be very rewarding.

Is there a sport that you’ve always wanted to try? Use the summer to give it a shot. Swimming, tennis, golf – there are so many options to choose from. Most community centers offer beginner classes at reasonable prices. And even if you don’t end up loving the sport, you’ll at least get some exercise!

The possibilities are endless – so get creative and make the most of your summer break!

7. Cook your favorite meals

Summer is the perfect time to get in the kitchen and try your hand at some of your favorite meals. For one thing, the warm weather means that you can spend more time outside, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.

This extra time outdoors can give you a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, making it easier to focus on your cooking. In addition, summer produce is typically more affordable and fresher than during other times of the year.

This means that you can experiment with new recipes without breaking the bank. Finally, many people find that they have more energy in the summer, making it a great time to tackle new cooking projects. So if you’ve been wanting to try your hand at cooking, there’s no time like the summer to get started.

8. Take day trips to nearby towns or attractions

The summer break is a great time for college students to get to know their surrounding communities. For many students, this may be their first time living away from home, and they can use this opportunity to explore all that their college towns and neighboring communities have to offer.

There are often free events taking place during the summer months, so be sure to check the local calendar of events. Libraries and community centers are also great resources for summer activities.

In addition, many colleges and universities offer volunteer opportunities during the summer break. This is a great way to give back to the community and gain valuable work experience. By taking advantage of all that the community has to offer, college students can make the most of their summer break.

9. Have a picnic or barbecue

College students usually have a lot of free time during the summer break, which is a great opportunity to picnic or barbecue with friends. If most of your friends are going back home for the summer but you’re not, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors and good company.

For example, you can invite friends over to your place for a backyard barbecue, go on a picnicking adventure in a nearby park, or even have a beach day complete with sandwiches, snacks, and games. Summer is the perfect time to relax and enjoy good food with good people, so make the most of it!

10. Go swimming or hiking

For many college students, summer break is a welcome opportunity to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. However, if you don’t have access to a pool or beach, it can be tricky to find ways to cool off. Here are a few ideas for making the most of your summer break, even if you’re stuck on campus:

• Take advantage of any outdoor spaces on campus. Many colleges have green spaces with walking trails or areas where you can picnic. If your school has a lake or pond, see if you can go for a swim.
• Plan day trips to nearby state parks or national forests. You can usually find swimming holes or hiking trails that are less crowded than popular tourist spots.
• Look for free or low-cost sports leagues in your area. Many cities offer summer basketball or softball leagues that anyone can join.

With a little bit of planning, you can make sure that your summer break is fun and enjoyable, even if you don’t have direct access to a pool or beach.

11. Spend time on your favorite hobbies

Summer break is the perfect time to take your hobbies to the next level. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, for example, you can use the extra free time to practice and learn new chords.

Or if you’re a keen baker, you can experiment with new recipes and decorations. The sky’s the limit when it comes to taking your hobbies to the next level during summer break. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Join a club or workshop related to your hobby. This is a great way to meet like-minded people and learn new skills.
• Enter a contest or competition. This can be a great motivator to up your game and push yourself to improve.
• Give your hobby a professional makeover. If you’re serious about taking things to the next level, consider investing in some quality equipment or looking into lessons from a qualified instructor.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you enjoy yourself and have fun along the way. After all, that’s what hobbies are all about!

12. Do some home improvement projects

Making your space feel like home can be challenging, especially if you’re living in a dorm room or rental apartment. But there are plenty of simple and affordable ways to personalize your space and make it feel like your own. Here are just a few home improvement ideas for college students:

• Hang some curtains or blinds to add color and pattern to your walls. This is an easy way to brighten up a space and make it feel more inviting.
• Add some throw pillows or blankets to your bed or couch. This will make your space cozier and inviting, perfect for curling up with a good book or watching a movie.
• Frame some photos or artwork and hang them up around your room. Surrounding yourself with images that make you happy is a great way to boost your mood and add personality to your space.
• Invest in some storage containers so you can organize your belongings and keep your space tidy. This will help you feel less stressed and more in control of your environment.

Whether you’re looking for ways to spruce up your dorm room or want to make your first apartment feel like home, there are plenty of easy and affordable home improvement projects that college students can

13. Go on a road trip

College students have a lot of options for fun road trips during the summer break. One popular option is to visit national parks. Many parks offer free or discounted entry for students, and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from hiking and camping to fishing and swimming.

Another great option for road trippers on a budget is to visit historic sites. Many of these sites offer reduced admission for students, and they provide a great opportunity to learn about our country’s history.

For those who want to explore even further, there are also plenty of international destinations within driving distance of many college campuses. Montreal, Toronto, and Niagara Falls are all popular choices for student road trips. No matter where you go, a little planning can go a long way towards keeping your costs under control.

Gas is one of the biggest expenses, so be sure to map out your route in advance and take advantage of any discounts or rewards programs offered by gas stations. You can also save money by packing your own meals and snacks instead of stopping for fast food along the way. By being mindful of your spending, you can have an amazing road trip without breaking the bank.

14. Plan a vacation

One of the best things about summer break is that you have the opportunity to take a vacation. However, with so many students out of school, finding the right time to travel can be a challenge.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the best time to plan your trip is early in the summer, before most students are out of school. Mid-summer is also a great time to travel, as many students will have already taken their vacations and things will start to slow down again.

Of course, if you’re looking for deals, you may want to wait until later in the summer when hotels and airlines are trying to fill up their empty seats and rooms. No matter when you decide to go, planning ahead will help you make the most of your college summer break.

15. Spend time outdoors

Summer break is a great time to relax and recharge, but it’s also a great opportunity to get ahead in your college career. There are a number of activities you can do during your summer break that will help you be successful when you return to school in the fall.

First, consider taking a college course or two. Not only will this help you get ahead on your degree, but it will also help you lighten your load for the upcoming semester. You can also use your summer break to explore potential majors and careers.

Spend some time researching different fields and attending informational interviews with professionals in your area of interest. Finally, take some time to relax and enjoy yourself!

Use your summer break to travel, read for pleasure, and spend time with family and friends. While it’s important to be productive during your summer break, it’s also important that you take some time for yourself. By balancing your time between relaxing and being productive, you’ll be sure to have a successful summer break.

16. Do some shopping

Summer is the perfect time for college students to stock up on essentials for the upcoming year. With a few months off from school, there’s plenty of time to take advantage of sales and shop around for the best deals. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your summer shopping:

• Plan ahead and make a list of what you need before you start shopping. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.
• Take advantage of sales and coupons. Sign up for store loyalty programs to get access to exclusive deals and discounts.
• Shop online to compare prices and find the best deals. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs when making your decision.
• Think beyond the basics when stocking up for the new year. Summer is a great time to buy items that are typically more expensive, like winter coats and textbooks.

By planning ahead and taking advantage of sales, you can save money and get everything you need for the upcoming year.

Summer Break Is What You Make It

Summer break can be an endless loop of sleeping in, or it can be something that expands your horizons and recharges your batteries. Which will you choose? Share your summer break plans in the comments section below.

[Featured Image by Flickr Creative Commons License]