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12 Summer Boredom Box Ideas, Based On Your Major

At a certain point of the year, school becomes about making it to summer break. Those final weeks (or, maybe for some, months) are a test of endurance and tenacity. Once they’re over, it might seem that the only choice to cure your burnout is to scroll mindlessly or maybe marathon those shows you missed while cramming for finals. You deserve a break, after all! But while that’s all well and good, summer also provides ample time to read for pleasure, pick up a new hobby, or do something as simple as get outside and reconnect with nature. Still, with all of that planned out, boredom can strike at any time, and a summer boredom box can save the day. 

But what is a boredom box? If you haven’t heard of the trend yet, it’s a box filled with analog activities and knick-knacks to ward off boredom (pretty self-explanatory, in all honesty). If you want to create a summer boredom box but have no idea where to start, it may actually be best to find some inspo based on something you are all too familiar with: your major. So, here are some summer boredom box ideas based on 12 popular majors.

English

You probably think the answer will just be “books, books, and more books,” but you’ve had enough of that. Instead, why not practice a new artistic medium with coloring books? It might seem juvenile, but nothing makes time fly like coloring within (or outside) the lines.

Business

Business is all about strategy (and a bit of luck) and few things can hone those skills like a pack of cards, whether you grab a friend or two and spend hours playing old favorites, or practice your problem-solving through a solitary game of Solitaire. 

Mathematics

It’s time to challenge yourself with one of the most difficult tasks of them all: solving a Rubix Cube. You can try working out the exact equation, or maybe just mess around with it and have some fun.

Computer Science

The sciences and the arts are not all that different, which means it’s time to break out those old journals and put your feelings on paper.

Psychology

Engage your hands for a change and give your mind a chance to wander with sculpting. If you don’t want to invest too much money in a new hobby, you can always keep it simple with Play-Doh.

Nursing

Part of being a nurse is building community with patients and fellow healthcare workers, which can be symbolized in the ancient art of friendship bracelet-making. Fill your whole box with Rainbow Loom, string, beads, charms, and anything that takes this childhood classic to the next level.

Economics

You might be used to seeing numbers all day, but playing with numbers is so much fun in a sudoku booklet. Or, if you still get newspapers delivered to your house, maybe it’s time to try some crossword puzzles, too.

Chemistry

Go back to the easy days of childhood with a children’s science kit. These kits come chock-full of easy activities to help you fall in love with science all over again, from baking soda volcanoes to delicious rock candy.

Political Science

If your major is political science — aka, two scary words that make an even scarier major — why not try something a little lighthearted and crochet a Wooble? Not only does this teach you a new skill, but it’ll earn you a new little friend!

Drama

Acting, screenwriting, directing, and anything involving the dramatic arts involves understanding the human condition. You know what else does this? Reading! It might seem simple, but reading is an amazing way to deepen your connection to the world and create more believable characters. 

Engineering

Oh yeah, time to break out the classics that may or may not have gotten you into engineering in the first place: Legos, of course. Grab multiple small sets and slowly build your collection up, or work your way through a massive set over the course of a few days.

History

You may still be recovering from spending many late nights reading the thickest textbooks ever seen, which means it’s time to finally try out yoga. It may not be the most common boredom box item, but a yoga mat does count!

Eliza Disbrow

Washington '26

Eliza Disbrow is a recent graduate from the University of Washington, majoring in International Studies: European Studies with a double minor in Spanish and business. Eliza was a writer for the University of Washington chapter and is currently writing for National HerCampus, covering a variety of topics, from music, books, social media, politics, to anime.

Beyond Her Campus, Eliza serveed as the co-president of the University of Washington Euro Club, participated in the University of Washington Women in Business club, and worked part-time at Evereve, where she is now full-time.

In her free time, Eliza can be seen taking in the sights of Seattle on any of the available forms of public transportation, normally with a book in hand and headphones in her ears. She plays guitar and bass, mainly as an excuse to play either Fall Out Boy or Ghost to family and friends. Additionally, she is perhaps the number-one super fan of "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," somehow able to quote or recall episodes ranging from the most recent release or from three years ago.