As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, college students everywhere can finally take a breather from their studies. Summer is the perfect time to unwind, explore new adventures, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you want to travel, learn a new skill, or simply have fun, summer offers a blank canvas for personal growth and exploration. It’s a season of transformation where new hobbies can blossom, and music becomes the soundtrack to our adventures.
Picture yourself reading this article with Kaytranada’s new album blasting in the background, setting the mood for a summer filled with rhythm and inspiration. Embrace the opportunity to expand your horizons, discover hidden talents, and create meaningful connections that enrich your life. Take advantage of the longer days and warmer nights to pursue passions and experiences that leave a lasting impact, ensuring your summer is as vibrant and fulfilling as possible. To help you get started, GU created ten must-do activities to add to your summer bucket list.
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Road Trip With Friends
Gather your best buddies, plan a route, and hit the road. Discover hidden gems, enjoy spontaneous detours, and make unforgettable memories. However, remember to plan things accordingly so your friend group doesn’t become one of the ones we hear about when they talk about why you shouldn’t go on trips. Clear communication, a flexible itinerary, and understanding each other’s preferences can make the difference between a smooth adventure and a stressful experience.
Learn to Cook A Signature Dish
College students look for creative ways to make luxury food affordable, often turning to cookbooks for inspiration. Impress your friends and family by mastering a new recipe. Cooking can be a fun and rewarding skill to develop over the summer. Dive into culinary adventures with cookbooks from notable figures like Snoop Dogg’s “From Crook to Cook,” Tabitha Brown’s “Feeding the Soul,” or Carla Hall’s “Soul Food.” These cookbooks offer a variety of delicious recipes that can transform simple ingredients into gourmet meals, proving that you don’t need a hefty budget to enjoy luxurious food.
Volunteer For A Cause
The upcoming election is a great time to get involved in your community and make a positive impact. Give back to your community by volunteering your time and skills. Helping at a local shelter, participating in a beach cleanup, or getting involved with your local NAACP will enrich the experience. You could also volunteer with kids or at an animal shelter, making a difference in the lives of others and fostering a sense of civic responsibility. These activities benefit those in need and provide a rewarding way to connect with and support your community.
Take A Digital Detox
In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with notifications, emails, and social media updates, which can be overwhelming and stressful. Disconnect from your devices for a long weekend and reconnect with nature, friends, and yourself. Taking a break from screens allows you to enjoy the present moment without the constant buzz of notifications, fostering mindfulness and reducing stress. By stepping away from digital distractions, you can engage in meaningful conversations, explore new hobbies, and appreciate the beauty around you.
Create A Bomb Playlist
Music has the incredible power to shape the vibe of your day, making it essential to curate a playlist that resonates with your mood and energy. With new releases dropping daily, staying updated ensures your playlist is always on point. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Kaytranada, and NxWorries have recently dropped albums promising to enrich your musical journey with unique styles and sounds.
Learn A New Language
Learn a new language in your free time. It’s a great way to exercise your brain and prepare for future travels. From Duolingo to in-person classes, you and your friends could challenge each other by discovering new skills in language. Who knows, this could be a major benefit for the next road trip.
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Start A Blog Or Journal
Document your summer adventures by starting a blog or keeping a journal. It’s a creative outlet and an excellent way to preserve your memories. To get started, you can use several free blog sites, such as WordPress.com, Substack.com, Wix.com, Medium.com, and Tumblr.com. Each platform offers user-friendly interfaces and customizable templates to help you share your experiences, photos, and thoughts with friends, family, or even a wider audience. Whether you prefer writing detailed narratives, sharing visual content, or combining both, blogging can be a rewarding way to reflect on and share your summer adventures.
Get In The Booth
For this summer, why not dive into the music scene and unleash your creativity by hitting the studio with friends? Whether you’re into hip-hop, pop, or rock, crafting fun songs can be an exhilarating way to express yourself and bond with others. Seek a local music studio to lay down tracks, experiment with beats, and explore your musical potential. Who knows, this could be the start of something big, possibly launching you into stardom like the City Girls or other renowned artists.
Attend A Music Festival Or Concert
Experience live music and the vibrant atmosphere of a festival. Dance, sing along, and enjoy the energy of the crowd. For those looking to celebrate black culture and music, consider attending festivals like Essence Festival in New Orleans, known for its star-studded lineup of R&B, hip-hop, and soul artists. Alternatively, the Afropunk Festival in Brooklyn showcases diverse music genres alongside art and activism, fostering a unique and inclusive atmosphere. These festivals offer electrifying performances and serve as cultural expression and community connection platforms. Whether you attend solo or with friends, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of black music and culture, where every beat and lyric resonates with passion and celebration.
Plan A Staycation And Declutter
If travel isn’t in the cards, plan a staycation. Explore local attractions, visit museums, try new restaurants, and enjoy the sights and sounds of your hometown. Sometimes, it’s crucial to declutter our lives by letting go of things that no longer serve us, whether that’s an old habit, a toxic friendship, or even a relationship that has run its course. Just as we clean out our closets to make room for new clothes, clearing out emotional and mental clutter can be liberating. Holding onto outdated habits or relationships that drain our energy can hinder personal growth and happiness. By releasing what no longer aligns with our values or goals, we create space for positive changes and new opportunities to enter our lives. It’s a process of self-care and self-discovery, allowing us to focus on what truly matters and move forward with clarity and purpose.
Make the most of your summer by stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. These activities will fill your summer with joy and excitement and create stories you’ll cherish for years.
About the Author: Asia Alexander is a student at Howard University, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment, and business.