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U Mich | Life

The Dog Days: Great Ways to Spend Your Summer

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Alexandra Bakker Student Contributor, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mich chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

With exams almost over, it’s time to look ahead to summer! There are plenty of great ways to spend the next four months, and optimizing your time before the ‘25 school year starts can be the perfect way to destress, advance your career, or make some money. Here are some ways for you to make the most of the summer of 2025.

Get a job

Be it an internship that will look stellar on your resume, an upward step on the corporate ladder, or a low-key gig just to earn some extra cash, getting a job can be a great way to spend your time this summer. Without the full-time responsibility that classes bring with them, you’ll have an extra 4-8 hours each day to dedicate to something else. Getting a job can be both a practical and fun way to use those hours.

Plus, the added cushion to your bank account can’t hurt, either. Getting back on campus in the fall is always a wake-up call to stay on track with your spending habits.

Spend quality time with loved ones

Whether you’re going home for the summer or not, it’s always a good idea to stay in touch with the important people in your life. Go see your parents, siblings, and friends—they want to see you! Grabbing lunch with an old buddy or spending a day with your family can be the perfect way to show your affection and appreciation for them, and it’s always worth the effort.

Adventure

Try something new! Spend a weekend in a new place, try a new shop or restaurant, or go to a concert. You can also try finding a nearby beach or lake to enjoy the warm weather. Getting out and hitting the town can be the perfect way to destress, have some fun, and shake it up a little bit. That’s what summer is for!

Take some time for yourself

Without classes or school to eat up most of your time, you might be looking at a couple of extra hours in the week to spend just for yourself. Take a bath, pick up a hobby, or watch that show that’s been on your list for a little too long. Summer can be a great time to relax, breathe, and rejuvenate for the year to come.

Whether you’re looking for an upbeat and active summer, a relaxing and calming one, or one to move you forward academically or professionally, spending your summer in intentional ways is beneficial no matter what.

Hi! My name is Alexandra Bakker (Lexy for short). I'm a political science and prelaw major at the University of Michigan college of Literature, Science and the Arts with a hopeful minor in creative writing!
I love thrifting, traveling, coffee, reading, writing, and watching TV/movies!