Before the start of every year, I always make a list of things that I need to accomplish before the year is over. The sad part is, I never seem to accomplish half of the things that I put on my list. However, there are five weeks left in this semester, and I have the perfect soluton: A list of ten items that you can cross of your bucket list before heading back home for the summer. Trust me, they will be worth your while.
1. Watch the sunrise on the Pentacrest
I know waking up early is hard, especally right before the end of the school year. But I promise that you will not regret getting up and seeing the gold rays of light slowly wake up Iowa City. It will be a great moment to reflect on how far you have come and a perfect Insta moment. (Taking two birds out with one stone!)
2. Go on a roadtrip
I’m not usually one to condone skipping class, but by the end of the year, it almost becomes a necesity to escape the boring classes and to take a break and enjoy your final weeks at school. So grab some of your friends and take a trip to some of the towns surrounding Iowa City. Not only will it be an awesome stress reliever and a great way to see more of this wonderful state, but it’s also like a mini vacation! (A vacation that you can do in one day is still a vacation.)
3. Talk to the kid in your lecture that you’ve had a crush on all semester
I know, talking to someone first can be kind of scary, but ignore that feeling and put on your most confident smile! Or casually walk past their seat and give them a compliment! (Everyone loves compliments!) Who knows, you may even get their number out of it!
4. Eat ice cream for dinner
With finals coming up and stressful days ahead, why not opt for a delicious dinner of ice cream to help soothe your body, mind and soul?! Instead of spending $20 on full meal, why not spend that money on something that, to me, is 10x better! So go on over to your favorite ice cream shop and make a buffet out of it. Pick out five different flavors, and then add all the toppings that your little heart desires. It will most likely be the best dinner you’ve ever had.
5. Have a sleepover
Ever since first semester, my friends and I have talked about having a sleepover. However, it’s never happened… yet. But that is going to change! I say buy enough candy and popcorn to feed an entire movie theater, about ten containers of ice cream and all of your favorite movies. Put on your comfiest and coziest clothes and just relax with your friends. I don’t know about you guys, but to me, that sounds so awesome!
6. Explore Iowa City’s parks
With the weather warming up and everyone’s mind set on summer, what better way to celebrate than to go exploring, specifically around the Iowa City Parks! Grab some friends and pick up Jimmy John’s on your way out into the great beyond. Swing on some swings and slide down some slides, just have some good, old childish fun! But be careful, don’t let Iowa City’s crazy wind blow you over ;)
7. Try a new restaurant
I don’t know about you guys, but it seems as though I always end up going to the same places all the time and order the same thing everytime. (I know, I know, I need to step outside of my comfort zone! But sometimes, readers, I don’t always like change. However, that is about to become a thing of the past!) So instead of repeating history, why not go to a new and unique restaurant that serves more out-there food! Order the most interesting thing on the menu, and whether you like it or not, at least it will be a dish to remember.
8. Pull an all-nighter (but not to study)
Instead of spending an entire night dedicated to cramming for that test you have the next day, spend a night hanging out with friends and making memories! Not only will it be an awesome bonding experience, but also something that you can think back to even after college ends.
9. Purchase that clothing item you’ve been eyeing
With finals coming up and impending stress in the future, there’s no better stress-reliver than buying a new clothing item! (Well, at least for me…) So I say, go out and do just that! Besides, even if your wallet doesn’t thank you, your heart will. Not to mention, you’ll have the cutest new outfit to wear to class the next day *insert sassy woman emoji here*
10. Watch the sunset on the Pentacrest
Honestly, there’s no better way to end a day, or a school year, than watching the sun set over the horizon.