It’s about three weeks until we return back to school. We will see new faces on campus with the Class of 2018 roaming the quad. We will run into our close friends, exes and our favorite professors at least three times do to our close quarters. Of course, we will be frequenting The Option and Walmart for our last Back To School needs. While we know that you can’t wait to return to Amherst, here’s a few things to do before you kiss summer goodbye.
For The Travelers
Limited funds to spend: A trip to nearest college town. Every place has the college town with the yummiest restaurants and tourist attractions that they can’t visit with students swarming throughout the year. This is your chance to show the local businesses your friendly face while enjoying the benefits without the long lines.
A little more to spend: A road trip. A road trip can get pretty expensive, especially if you intend to spend a night at a hotel, motel or holiday inn. However, the bill can be much more manageable with a few friends splitting the tab. You always want to keep that middle seat free for long trips, so if you have a small car, we reccommend inviting only three friends at max.
A lot more to spend: A cruise. Especially around now, cruise ships are discounting three to five day cruises around the Caribbean or New England. The shorter the cruise the cheaper the deluxe suite, so if you want to live like a Queen for two days, this is your best chance.
For The Movie Lovers
Limited funds to spend: Netflix. If you or a friend have Netflix, welcome to the perfect closing to summer. You can order food, make it yourself or just live off of Cheetos for your movie marathon. Don’t have Netflix? Then do it the old fashion way! Raid your DVD or video casette collection (remember that kids?) and compare with a few friends to relive the magic of your favorite movies.
A little more to spend: Go to the movies. If you live in the big city, you understand how much of a treat go to a real movie theatre can be. With most movies being an upward price of $13, not including snacks or IMAX 3D, you may want to pick your blockbuster wisely. Invite a friend to spend the funds with you but also gush about it later when the movie is done.
A lot more to spend: Go to see a show. Forget the movies, if you have the opportunity, go see a show! Most major cities will have off-Broadway shows or local theatres that will put on a great spectacular. Take the time to dress up and enjoy the engagement of acting in a more intimate, live and personal setting.
For The Relaxers
Limited funds to spend: At-home facials. You have two options with this one. You can get fancy and make your own facials using videos on YouTube. My favorite is Michelle Phan’s egg facial (I’m an older fan of Mish, if you couldn’t tell) because it uses both parts of the egg and it makes your skin feel amazing. The other option is to buy one at the drug store and they usual cost under $5. Technically you can do both and have your own budget spa day.
A little more to spend: Nail salon. Why paint your nails when you can get the professionals to do it. For a little extra that can give you a massage, a spa or a gel mani-pedi. The latter will guarantee that your pampering will last up until the first day of school. If you’re worried about getting that gel manicure of your fingers when it starts to chip, Lauren Conrad’s team has your back.
A lot more to spend: Spa Day. Of course, you can go all the way and go to the real spa with a few friends to get the full treatment. From massages to body scrubs to saunas to facials, the prices can vary. However, if you do decide to go with friends, pick something that you can be around each other through the whole experience. Some times words don’t need to be shared but you would always want to be able to bond in some way.
Of course there are many other ways you can enjoy the summer, these just scratches the surface of what you can do. As long as you’re having fun, that’s all that matters. We can’t wait to see you again this upcoming Fall with more content and maybe some new writers!