Summer break arrives quickly for high school and college students alike. One week is consumed by spring finals, and the following week is embraced with leisurely mornings. However, after a few days of relaxation, summer boredom often creeps in for many.
Finding ways to beat boredom is essential for having an incredible break. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite activities to help you make the most of your free time and ensure you have the best summer ever!
What To Do When Bored in Summer (But Still Stay Sharp for School)
1. Learn a New Hobby
When you’re in school your focus is mostly on studying and classes, leaving less time for creative activities. But when school’s out, the perfect way to occupy your time and exercise your creativity is to learn a new hobby.
Plus, having a hobby is a great way to reduce your stress levels in your daily life and you may even meet new friends! Whether you want to try something brand new or get back into a hobby you were interested in previously, there are many to choose from. Here are some of our favorite hobbies to think about trying this summer:
- Pickleball
- Tennis
- Pottery
- Knitting
- Dancing
- Photography
- Gardening
- Hiking
- Scrapbooking
- Golfing
- Filming a short story
- Learning a new dance
- Play board games
The options are truly endless. We suggest joining local Facebook groups or stopping by your community center to check out what activities are close to you. Who knows, maybe this will pique an interest you never knew you had!
2. Take a Class
Say what?! Take a class during summer break? It might not sound super appealing at first but if you have no idea what to do when you’re bored during summer, you should consider using that time to knock out some credits for your degree.
While some students opt for easier classes to minimize stress during this time, others embrace the challenge by enrolling in more demanding courses, allowing them to fully dedicate their attention to mastering the subject.
No matter which student you are, taking a class over the summer is a great idea. The classroom or campus is generally less crowded, which means better parking and smaller teacher-to-student ratios!
3. Travel
Travel is something every student looks forward to as a great way to beat summer boredom. Whether you want to explore new places abroad or go on a road trip with your friends, it’s an exciting opportunity you shouldn’t miss out on!
You can visit national parks, swim with dolphins in another state, or simply relax in nature to recharge before the next semester. To make it more affordable, start saving money and planning your accommodations and transportation ahead of time. By splitting expenses with your friends, you’ll have an incredible summer filled with laughter, fun, and memorable moments.
4. Get a Part-Time Job
Many students opt for a part-time job over the summer to save for the upcoming semester, add to savings, or to keep themselves busy. If you’re bored over the summer, why not make some money while you’re at it? Most local businesses are aware of the student job demand in the summer and are happy to offer temporary positions lasting a few months. And some may even accommodate your school schedule if they appreciate your work ethic. This way, you can continue working there during the fall and spring semesters.
Some of the best part-time jobs to beat summer boredom are restaurant jobs, lifeguarding, babysitting, or even becoming a camp counselor! Also, if you have a car, you can sign up to be a driver for a food delivery service so you can work around your own daily schedule.
5. Plan Meet-Ups With Friends
When your friends aren’t in the same town during the summer, it’s easy to feel bored and miss them. The solution? Plan meet-ups! Whether it’s grabbing dinner at your favorite place, going for a bike ride on the beach, playing board games, or having a picnic in the park, spending time with your friends is the best way to beat summer boredom.
Summer is almost here, and it’s a season that everyone loves! But if you don’t have a plan, you might feel bored and lazy. To avoid the summer slump and stay ready for the next semester, try starting some of the activities we’ve discussed above—we’re certain you’ll have a great time recharging for the fall term.
College and high school students can use College Raptor’s Scholarship Search Tool to find eligible scholarships for FREE money! Hey, this is especially a good idea if you’re — that’s right, bored this summer.