Dear Andi,
I have nothing fun planned for summer…all I’m doing is working part time! My Towson friends are going home far away, and I need some ideas to make summer more fun. help!
Sincerely,
-Looking for Fun in the Sun
Dear Looking for Fun in the Sun,
There are so many things to do over Summer Break, so don’t get discouraged. While you may not be touring Italy or snorkeling in the Caribbean, there are still so many ways to have a fun and productive summer.
Chances are no matter where you live, you are at least within 1.5 hours away from a body of water. Whether it’s the ocean, a bay, a lake or a river- make a beach day-trip. You don’t have to go to the islands to have a day at the beach and if you make it a day trip you save on airfare and hotel costs! Grab a few friends one morning and head to the nearest water source. Mostly all rivers, lakes and bays have even a tiny beached area that is open to the public. You can pack a lunch and spend the day laying out, swimming, or on the water with your friends- it’s like a mini-vacation! These day trips are great because they can be spontaneous- you can go whenever you want without having to book a flight and find hotel vacancies.
Also consider visiting one of your Tiger friends. Most likely, you are friends with someone at Towson who is not in your immediate area. Whether it’s another state or the next county over, coordinate a weekend when you can visit your friend or when they can come visit you. Even if there is nothing special going on for you two to do, being bored with someone else is hardly being bored. Even if you beat the heat by seeing a movie or layout in the backyard, it will be fun spending time with them.
Depending on where you live, there are different things to do. Go on a day-hike, visit a museum; check out the local tourist attractions! You’ll be surprised to learn what attractions or events are happening right in your own backyard! Check out your local government’s webpage- they will most likely have tourist information, or at least a link to where you can find it.
The very best way to cure summer boredom is to stay busy! You have a more flexible and free schedule over break, so it’s a good time to read that book you heard about or learn to play the guitar! Staying busy will not only cure boredom but it will allow you to better yourself as a person. Consider trying a local marathon and training daily for it, making and completing a summer reading list, learn a new or re-study an old language, learn to cook, reorganize and redecorate your room, or find any other hobby.
While these may not seem comparable to spending your summer with Jacques, the cute French tour guide, you still will have fun, be productive and most importantly relax! You’ll return to school refreshed and possibly with a new skill or accomplishment to add to your resume! The key to fun this summer is to try everything you can!
xoxo Andi