Summer is approaching quickly and many of you may be starting to plan out your summer schedules. While sitting around doing nothing, taking a break from classes and all responsibilities sounds awesome, you will be surprised to find that you will get bored and antsy really fast.
Here are some productive things you can do over summer break to avoid boredom and keep you on the right track for graduation and beyond:
Volunteering is a great way to spend your summer. You can make a difference for a cause you are passionate about without having to worry about strict schedules like a real job, and will have the flexibility to make your own schedule and move at your own pace. Volunteering also looks great on resumes, even if it is unrelated to your major. Volunteering is something you can do with others, so round up your posse or see if your family wants to join you.
Here are some volunteering resources for college students:
Taking Summer Classes can get you one step closer to graduation, faster. Typically there are 2 or 3 summer sessions where you take one class every day for a few hours. Summer is a good time to knock out required electives or classes that you need to focus extra hard on without the distractions of other classes or being in the hustle and bustle of fall or spring semester. It is also a good time to explore subjects that you are interested in that don’t pertain to your major. Most summer classes are offered online which allows you to learn from the comfort of home where you can set your own pace.
Taking on a Research Project could be the most productive way to spend your summer. Find a professor who is doing work with something you are passionate about and see what you can do to help. This will look great on you resume and could help you with future classes and projects.
Getting an Internship over summer is a great idea, especially if you just finished up your junior year. Check out what your school has to offer for internships over summer, you might be able to get something on campus. Although an internship may not seem ideal while you are working hard and not getting paid, they look great on your resume and give you the real world experience you need to land a real job after graduation.
Here are some internship resources for college students:
Getting a Part Time Job is a perfect summer time-passer for those students who need a little extra cash. Having a part time job will give you some structure while still having plenty of free time to lounge around, relax, and hang with friends. You may not be able to find something in your career path, but having any work experience at all is always a plus.
Going on a Trip will certainly steer you clear of boredom over the summer. Traveling will open you up to new cultures, ideas, and experiences. If you are studying Spanish in school you could look into traveling to Spain or Mexico to work on your language skills. Make sure to keep a travel journal to document your trip!
