10 Things To Do This Summer

Landing a summer internship can be a real pain in the… well, you know. And what’s more, figuring out all the logistics (like where you’ll live, whether or not you’ll get paid, what the requirements are… and the list goes on) can be more stressful than babysitting five screaming children under the age of four. But before you succumb to a state of panic, remember that just because your weeks are no longer filled with essays and exams, that doesn’t mean they now have to be filled with coffee runs and hours of free labor.

Not really into the whole summer internship scene? No problem. Here’s a list of 10 ways to have a blast this summer, no cubicle required.

1. Study abroad! This one doesn’t require too much of an explanation. Get out your laptop, choose a country, pick a program and apply! Go through UGA or an independent organization; the choice is yours. And best of all, it’s not too late! Many programs are still accepting applications for this summer, so what are you waiting for? (Here’s the link to UGA’s Discover Abroad, in case you need a head start. http://discoverabroad.uga.edu/)
2. Catch up on some classes. This one may not be the most thrilling, but taking some summer courses is a great way to lessen your work load during the school year. There’s nothing better than a 12-hour semester, and most people say they found their summer classes relatively easy and enjoyable. Take them on campus, online, or at your local community or state college. The choice is yours!
3. Be a camp counselor! Those of us who used to spend our summers at day and/or sleep-away camp will attest to all the unforgettable memories, and most of us would give anything to go back and relive the glory days. So why not do it? As a camp counselor, you’ll get paid, make tons of new friends AND get a redo on your favorite childhood experiences. Sounds like a deal to me.
4. Take on a new hobby. The summer months are the perfect opportunity to try something new. Start cooking, working out, crafting, whatever suits your fancy. You’ll have plenty of time to indulge in whatever you choose to do, and it’ll keep you entertained on the days you’re dreaming about the Classic City.
5. Get a job! Before you nix this one completely, consider the variety of part-time opportunities out there. You could work at your most-frequented clothing store (and probably get a discount), your city’s recreation department (I’ve got personal experience here – I’d recommend!), your favorite restaurant (free food…) or anywhere else you could possibly imagine. When you’re not working, you’ll have the time and money to spend however you’d like. Seems like a win-win, right?
6. Start a blog. As college students, we don’t hear enough about the importance of having a “presence on the Internet.” Well, why not make your presence known by starting your own blog? You could write about anything, from summer foods and vacation spots to summer concerts and movies. You’ll be an expert before you know it, and who knows, maybe you’ll even get a big following! (Hint: Tumblr is a really easy site to navigate, so it’s perfect for a first-time blogger. Check it out at http://www.tumblr.com).
7. Concert-hop! Speaking of summer concerts, what could be more fun than spending the summer jamming to your favorite bands? Gather a group of friends and check out all your local venues to see who’s playing. Book a few concerts per month and you’ll always have something to look forward to. Rock on!
8. Explore the States. Don’t have the means to study abroad? No problem. No matter where you’ll be spending the summer months, the U.S. of A is full of great exploration spots. Road trip with some friends to the nearest city, lake, beach or whatever your preference, and you’re guaranteed to have a great time. No passport or airport required!
9. Visit your high school friends! Not everyone goes home for the summer, and it’s pretty likely that some of your old high school gang will be living in their college towns for the summer. If you didn’t have a chance to visit them during the school year, now’s the time! Not only will you get to reunite with an old friend, but you’ll also get to see how things work at other schools… and probably how much better we do it at UGA. Happy travels!
10. RELAX! School’s out for the summer, and all your hard work in classes, clubs and organizations has paid off. Give yourself a break and head to the pool with some friends, read a new book series or watch all 10 seasons of a show on Netflix (I’ve recently restarted Desperate Housewives… great choice). However you choose to relax and lay low, you’ve earned this break, so live it up!