Check out our list of 50 productive & fun ways to spend your summer break for inspiration! If you have raised money and supplies for schools abroad, deliver those resources in person and volunteer in the local community. DragonBox is an adorably animated game app that transforms learning algebra into some time for fun. 3. Get some new stamps on your passport. 12 Things to Do the Summer Before College | BestColleges Start your new school year with a clean slate! Sample courses on edX and Coursera include a Coding Bootcamp, Philosophy and Critical Thinking, and Medical Neuroscience, just to name a few. This can cut down costs and keep you from bringing duplicate items. Take a break! By now, you probably agree that theres plenty of things to do this summer, but that doesnt mean that you need to do everything. Turn a weakness into a strength. Distinguish yourself from others by flexing your entrepreneurial muscle: tutor a foreign language, design and sell custom clothing, set up shop on Etsy for your homemade crafts, offer guided tours in your town, or start a house/pet-sitting or lawn care business to demonstrate innovation, dedication and determination. Summer is a great time to explore something new and see if its a good fit. Explore a career. Specialty programs in the performing arts, writing projects, and athletics can also serve as valuable ways to spend summer vacation for dedicated students, and you can commemorate your experience by blogging or keeping a journal during your time in the program. See what's in your area this summer: baseball, beach volleyball, tennis, kayaking, crew, and other recreational sports teams you can join during your summer break. Learn to manage your money. 9. This will save you the stress of running out of money too soon during your first year. The website is extremely easy to navigate and gives access to so many resources. Take your education overseas! 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/college-summer-entertainment-793371. Once you have an idea of the entire summer planning path you want to go down, do your homework! IvyWise also offers comprehensive research services to help students and families find the best-fit summer programs that have the most impact on an applicants profile by conducting in-depth research of offerings that match individual student interests. At IvyWise,we work with students to identify summer experiences that will not only help them learn more about their interests but also keep them sharp and engaged during the break to avoid languishing this summer. Write down a few that interest you, and create a summer schedule for yourself to take them over the summer. Summer break doesn't have to mean a break from all the fun. Sell Stuff On eBay Or Amazon. You can also connect with academic advisors, financial aid counselors, and housing coordinators, as these offices are usually open throughout the year. After orientation you should have a good idea of your class schedule, so work around that when deciding how many hours per week you can commit to a job, taking into account time for homework, too. So youve done your research and youve found a few opportunities that are a good fit for you and your lofty goals. Some students may find that they learn better in summer courses. If you enroll in summer classes at a local university or community college, first get approval from the university you attend to ensure that credits and grades will transfer. - Grab some friends & bikes (or rent a tandem bike for two or more) for a fun way to get out and get some exercise. Look for workshops in your area, partner up with a friend, or simply launch your own blog and get writing! The days have started to stretch longer and you're finally getting out of school for break - it's time for summer! (Many organizations offer a discounted membership fee for students!). Do All Colleges Have Summer Break? - All College Talk If you don't have a job and want one, try searching for openings on sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and College Recruiter. It may be easier for students to get into popular courses during the summer, a perfect time to dabble in subjects of personal interest or introductory classes for possible majors. Here are the big skills to pick up: Related: 10 Ways to Prepare Now for a Great Life After College. Cost: $$$ 4. Lucier, Kelci Lynn. Love sports and community? Connecting with leaders in your community, your school's alumni or even upperclassmen is a great place to start. Instead of sitting at home, consider making a reading list, practicing a new skill, or even taking a class. The activity ideas that excite you the most are likely the options that you should most seriously consider. This summer is the perfect time to pick up some books you may not have had time for during the school year. Reach out to potential employers or companies you find inspiring and offer an apprenticeship or internship opportunity for the summer. You can do so at acharityor school; any place that could use an extra set of hands. 40. (This is also a great way to build valuable connections and help determine whether a career is right for you. From spending time with family and friends, to learning essential skills, and taking up a part time job, there's a lot students can do before summer break to set themselves up for . At the start of your break, make some loose goals and plans to keep yourself aware of your priorities, but beyond that, focus on relaxing and enjoying this time to rejuvenate yourself before the new semester. This can be as simple as extending your current extracurriculars, like volunteering at a local youth organization teaching art classes or finding new ways to make an impact in your community through your interests. Exchange phone numbers, email addresses, and even follow each other on social media. Participate in a specialized high school program Specialized summer programs are held on college campuses all over the country. 4. Whether you plan to relax on the beach with a book, take on a few extra shifts at work, sleep in, embark on a road trip, or some combination of all of the above, make the most of the time you have. This well-meaning question makes most college students cringe. The app itself has three modes: All About Cells, Interactive Activities, and Videos. She loves dark chocolate, stickers, and the color blue. These credits can also lighten a students course load during the fall and springs semesters, allowing them to better focus on challenging classes the following year. But remember, you wont put test preparation on your activity list for your college applications, so hopefully you will also engage deeply in one of your core interests during the summer. Living on Campus If you're planning on living on your college campus over summer break, it may seem a little different than your other semesters. Sit down and create a list of dorm room essentials, like power strips, chargers, sheets, etc., and go through what you already have to see what youll need to buy. Whether you're sending a thank you note, asking a question or requesting a letter of recommendation, summer is a great time to check in on your favorite professors and strengthen your connections in your school community. Do an inventory of your involvements, and make a plan for the upcoming school year. Ditch the normal phone calendar and use Countdown Event Reminder to keep track of important dates. Study for admissions tests. 14. Because summer courses generally start within a few weeks of the end of the spring semester, students are able to stay in the studying frame of mind and may have an easier transition back to college in the fall. One way to delve deeper into your interests is to learn something new about them through online or summer courses. 24. CampusGroups is the #1 student engagement platform to organize all your events. You dont have to have a job or internship during the summer to learn more about a subject of interest or be productive. Don't feel bad about leaving some of your summer open. Here are after winter b, Increase alumni engagement at your institution by downloading the . Hobbies are usually put on the back burner while you study, work and much more. What better way to enjoy the warm weather than to have a picnic with friends? Colleges just want to see that students are staying engaged in the summer and continuing to explore their interests in meaningful ways. How To Increase Connectivity with a Multi-Hub Campus Portal: Johns Hopkins University Campus Spotlight. This is a perfect opportunity to explore some areas you may have missed before, or revisit some of your favorite spots. Whats better, once you watch one, Netflix will recommendmore programming that is similar giving you plenty of options! Go cabrewing with your friends. It's never too early to start working on your resume. "What did you do this summer?" Polish your LinkedIn. Lucier, Kelci Lynn. While none of these are wildly riveting, getting these tasks out of the way before the next school year will have you thanking yourself later. Working, reading, traveling, relaxing, learning a new skill or language? CollegeXpress has helped me with all aspects of applying for college. Interested in coding, website design or other subject that might not be offered in your college? Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for your upcoming activities. Have fun! This helps students become specialists in their areas of interest something that selective colleges are looking for when making admissions decisions. Maybe your parents have some friends who work in a field that interests you who can point you in the right direction in order to find a summer job or internship. The first step to having a great summer break is establishing a good living situation, so take control of what you can to set yourself up for a healthy home life. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a complimentary demo, or get started today with a free trial! As mentioned previously, summer courses generally move faster than other classes because there is less time to cover the same amount of material. During this time, students are not required to take classes or participate in other academic activities. Fix up your rsum. How to Plan a Productive Summer Break | IvyWise Many times, its wise to get smaller items like towels, sheets, and picture frames ahead of time and pack them up to take with you on move-in day. Catch up on summer reading. This app from Merriam-Webster is free and provides players with ten difficulty levels. Since many freshmen students will have to take the same general education courses, youll want to try to get in as early as possible before those classes fill up. Don't miss out on all the sun, fun and productive ways to spend your summer break from college! You might not realize it, but most student support offices are open year-round. Also be prepared to offer to help around the houseand follow through! Heres a brief, non-exhaustive list of fun things to do this summer: Related: The Big List of Fun, NonAcademic Summer Activities. Spend a little time now to plan for the upcoming semester to save time and frustration once school starts! While its good to be responsible and productive with your time, dont forget that summer break also exists to give you time to rest and enjoy yourself. Once youve narrowed down your list of potential summer activities, work to make your top choice a reality. 28. 39. Summer is the perfect to update your work and co-curricular experience (such as adding leadership roles and club involvements on campus) and really polish your rsum. Consider places where you'd love to travel or study abroad opportunities for the future. Break it out into pages, chapters, etc. Dont be afraid to reach out to places youre interested in to see what opportunities they have. Summertime, however, is perfect for exploring the great outdoors. Most use a holistic approach to evaluating applicants, meaning the students entire profile is considered beyond just the numbers. There are plenty of great potential answers, too, such as "I traveled," "I worked a summer job," or "I did some hiking.". Planning out a college class schedule is a special art. Go for a bike ride. What TO DO as a college student during SUMMER BREAK Instead, its important to reflect on your long-term goals and preferences and pinpoint the opportunities that best align with your personal circumstances. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and see what sticks. It is important to recognize that summer classes are not for everyone, and their value is largely determined by personal preference and learning style. 48. Focus on developing the hard and soft skills most relevant to your major and future career. 16. 47. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. Your workload is heavy and the weather is not ideal. K-12 school teachers do get some leave during the year, and less in the summer. Summer is an ideal time to study for standardized tests such as the LSAT, GMAT and GRE, because you're able to focus and devote extra hours on test prep without the distraction and priority of classes during the academic year. Here are some ways to both recharge and further your academic success during your summer break. Others may opt to stay closer to home and make an impact on their local community. Organize a picnic. Sometimes its hard to reacclimate to your parents rules, or maybe you have a difficult relationship with a sibling. 2. Take advantage of student discounts: go to a museum, attend a film festival, see a play or check out a music festival. Students also need time to investigate different options and determine what summer activities seem most exciting and rewarding. Caldwell, NJ, Fordham University Graduate School of Education by Laura Wallace CollegeXpress Student Writer, Anderson University. WORKING A SUMMER JOB Summer jobs help build a student's resume by showing a dedicated work ethic and real-world experience. 9 Things to Do the Summer Before College - U.S. News & World Report If youre interested in pursuing your own project, its important to create a plan of action and hold yourself accountable. If you are interested in traveling to a new location, start to research transportation options to gain a sense of what is involved and how you will be able to make it work. I've used many websites in my college and scholarship search, and CollegeXpress has by far been my favorite one to use. 36. (2023, April 5). It is pretty easy to set up and the summer is the perfect time to begin! Consult your academic advisor now to explore your options, including earning transferable credits from a college closer to where you're spending your summer and the potential impact such classes could have on any financial aid you're receiving. If your parents are helping with an allowance, decide if its weekly, monthly, or per semester. 1. Also, coordinate with your roommate or suitemates to see who might be able to bring communal items, like fridges, TVs, and other commonly shared electronics or appliances. Summer jobs for college students The following list includes 25 jobs that you can work during the summer. Have a backyard scavenger hunt. Try a new form of exercise. Some faculty members will be on campus during the summer, so you can introduce yourself in person (if you live nearby) or over email. While a lack of summer activities wont send a candidate directly to the no pile, it certainly wont work intheir favor. The app features high-resolution image rendering and descriptive captions. All colleges have a summer break. Offering courses in Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese (with many other languages still in development! Dont! 5. Just because youre home doesnt mean you should slack off on doing laundry, cleaning up after yourself, and vacuuming occasionally. Fordham University Graduate School of Education, 20 Dishes Every Busy (and Broke) Twentysomething Should Know How to Make, 10 Ways to Prepare Now for a Great Life After College, The Big List of Fun, NonAcademic Summer Activities. Store clerk National average salary: $11.29 per hour Try a new instrument or hone your skills further, take a class in painting, photography, drawing, sewing, self-defense, or any subject you find intriguing but don't have time to try during the school year. Explore groups on your campusand opportunities for involvement and leadership. Writing the Common App essay, also known as your Personal Statement, is arguably one of the most difficult parts of the college application process. Struggle with public speaking or writing essays? Look for part-time or summer opportunities related to your major or career path if possible. Planning to apply to law school, business school or other graduate programs? At MIT Launch, students start real companies. 140.4K shares Ideas to Help You Build Your Own Ultimate College Summer Bucket List Ready or not, Summer is almost here. Brush up on your vocabulary this summer with Quizzitive. Summer is an excellent time to take care of all those extra things you didnt get to during the academic year to prepare for the future. 6. Lucier, Kelci Lynn. Summer is also a great time to pick up a leisurely book just for fun that you might not have time to read during the semester. Maximize your competitiveness by ramping up your study schedule. life skills Opportunities at labs and local colleges can give high school students research experience that will help them identify academic interests and stand out in college applications. Make Reading A Habit | Rio Salado College Just because the school year ends, doesnt mean that meaningful participation in activities and interests should cease as well. This is a great tool to help students develop useful timelines and prep plans; not to mention its sleek design and customization tools help students make it their own. Join a hiking or climbing club, go on fun outdoor adventures or day hiking trips, plan a camping trip with friends, or look into working at a summer camp or national park. They not only help you expand on your education and real . Food, drinks, frisbee, kites, maybe an acoustic guitar make it a potluck and invite everyone to bring their favorite dish to share. Volunteer at a Local Charity. 1. 3. Do your best to connect with the people and your purpose there. While June may seem pretty far off, many summer programs are already filling up with early March and April deadlines. Whether you're practicing at home, in a summer class, or traveling internationally for an immersive learning experience, make time this summer to hone your foreign language skills. No matter what your goals include, summer vacation is the perfect opportunity for college students to explore enriching activities that you dont always have time to pursue during the school year. You will be much more motivated when the fall semester starts, too! 1. 25 Jobs for Summer for College Students | Indeed.com As such, you should plan to spend at least some of the time doing the things you love but don't always get to participate in during the school year. Summer Bucket List for College Students: 81+ Worthy Ideas Updated May 19, 2022 College Life Made Easy is reader-supported. 20. The College Classes You Should Take During the Summer (and the Ones You Formulate a study plan, set summer goals, and commit time to study every week. Or look for last-minute deals on flights for a quick weekend trip with friends. Students who are looking to make the most of an independent project might choose to work with a mentor who can guide them and offer valuable feedback throughout their journey. Look for online courses or MOOCs that you can take at your own pace in between other activities, too. Start a Side Hustle: Blogging is, hands down, the absolute best side hustle you can start up while in college. 50. There are so many things to do with them! Summer is typically a beautiful time to see your campus, as well if you're lucky, the fountains will be on, the sun will be shining, and students will be out throwing frisbees and reading on the lawn. Harvest your creativity. If sitting through more classes in the summer sounds boring, then an internship or independent project may be the way to go. Get a head start on your fall reading list, if available, or make an effort to read a book in a field you're interested in studying. 13. Consider looking into academic programs that relate to your favorite classes, specialized programs that will empower you to expand your skillset, and volunteer opportunities that relate to causes you truly care about. If you were a tourist in your town on vacation, what would you do? 41. Talk to other incoming freshmen about what they most look forward to doing outside of class. The app is composed of interactive stories, animal origami, a 3-D interactive globe, and conservation news. All rights reserved. Then, after all, your apps are in, take some time to assess alternative options should you not gain acceptance to the programs or internships to which you applied. 16 Fun College Orientation Activities & Icebreakers to Encourage Student Engagement in 2022! After all, it might be months before you see them again! Checklist for Rising High School Seniors. Larger items, like microwaves, mini-fridges, and other furniture might be best to buy when you arrive and have a better idea of the size of the space. CampusGroups is a private community platform, uniting student organizations, departments, teams and every group on campus. If youre paying for everything yourself, whether through savings or a part-time job, make an effort to guess your monthly income and adjust your budget accordingly. This way, come fall semester, youll feel like youre moving in with a friend rather than a stranger. Typically, the break lasts for about two to three months beginning in late May or early June. Looking to improve foreign language skills over the summer? Become a camp counselor. Explore your city. No doubt about it, this is the ultimate app for art history enthusiastsits services have even been employed by the art history department of Seton Hill University! You may be thinking that summertime is perfect for relaxing in the sun, hanging out with friends, and taking a break from school, but when it comes to college admissions, summer vacation is also a crucial time for planning and working on application materials. As with any good goal, the key is to pick something that is realistic and achievable. St. Davids, PA, St. Ambrose University Here are three things high achieving college students do during their summer break: Do an Internship Internships allow students the opportunity to get a first-hand, behind the scenes look at a career. You may have experience in some or all of these, but summer is a great time to learn more about the basics of adulting; you have time to learn and practice, and your parents are around to answer questions if you need help. Grab your friends, pitch a tent or rent a cabin, and get in touch with nature! 7 Things to Do in the Summer for College Students With No Job If your summer vacation begins in May, and you are preparing for June SAT or ACT dates, make sure you use your free time during the early summer season to take practice exams, meet with a tutor, and stay mentally prepared for testing. 40+ Fun Summer Activities for People on a Budget - Real Simple Look for opportunities to work in a lab, do hands-on field work in your industry, study new public policy issues, or connect with your favorite professor who may be delighted to work with you on your research project. These intensive academic programs allow high school students to take college-level courses, experience living on campus, meet students with the same interests from around the country, and often earn college credit. Glamour has some great DIY spa tricks to make you relaxed and rejuvenated without paying hundreds of dollars. CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit. Internship: Your summer break is actually a good time complete an internship. Do things you'd normally do indoors outside: an outdoor concert, Shakespeare in the park performance , movie screenings, etc. Ways to Stay Entertained Over a College Summer. . Join the CollegeXpress community! 4. ThoughtCo, Apr. Have College-Age Kids? Do These 4 Things Before Summer Break Starts 25. The typical duration in most colleges is between 4 weeks and 6 weeks. Part of setting a budget is knowing where your spending money is coming from. Look into international travel discounts for students, educational tours and student travel groups. The summer provides a great opportunity for students to get ahead in their coursework with better focus and increased attention from their professors. 9 Things to Do the Summer Before College. Take what you learned in the classroom and apply your knowledge! Making the Most of Summer Break in College | BestColleges 46. Start a blog. Have fun at a virtual summer camp. Tired of cramming for the math section of the SAT? was another big year for !We are proud of our team and want to thank our + campus partners, Want to - this new year? 14 Summer Activities to Boost Your College Application Reach books or research online about different countries and cultures. Also, once you search for the college, CollegeXpress can get you connected! Some summer activities may require letters of recommendation from a teacher or supervisor, so reach out when needed. Sell or donate the things you aren't using. Employers love a self-starter! 42. Reach out to your instructors for recommendations on best ways to prepare for the fall semester. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Students can use summer sessions to fulfill requirements theyre less than enthusiastic about or take a prerequisite course so that they can dive into a subject at a higher level come the fall. No matter what you read, the experience offers several benefits, like self-reflection, enhanced analytical thinking, stress relief, and improved concentration. College can be incredibly busy. 2. CollegeXpress helped me on my journey to get to the school of my first choice by showing me all the options I have. Go to the bookstore. Summer break is an exciting opportunity for students to expand their horizons and step outside of their comfort zones, so dont be afraid to get creative. Make an effort to speak at least once a week or so, just to get to know each other and plan for move-in day. 3. Indulge in hobbies or try a new one. However, some schools may offer summer courses or programs that students may choose to take advantage of. Whether youre boosting your resume, broadening your horizons, exploring careers, enjoying some fun in the sun, or giving back to your community, theres so much fun to be had during the summer months, so make the most of it! BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. While it's important to prepare for the fall term, try to make time to rest as well. The best part of summer break is all the free time you get to do whatever you want. Summer classes tend to be more expensive than courses taken during traditional semesters because there are fewer students but similar overhead costs. Everything will take time getting used to being back at home. Dont be afraid to have a backup plan! 1. Speaking of coordinating with roommates or suitemates, this is the time to get to know them better! After an action-packed year of learning, college students need time to destress, free of school and work duties. Summer Vacation: 30 Ways Students Can Make the Most of Free Time Not only will students enjoy the challenges, but theyll also improve comprehension and writing skills. ), Internships and apprenticeships are productive ways to spend your summer vacation. View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.