You made it! High school? Done. Now you’ve got this wide-open summer of freedom before the next big adventure: college. It’s the perfect time to unwind, make some epic memories, and do the stuff you might not have time for once classes start. Don’t let it slip by! To make this the best summer ever, here are 21 awesome ideas to help you make the most of your summer before college.
1. Travel Somewhere New
If you’ve ever wanted to pack a bag and just go, now’s your chance! A road trip with friends, a solo adventure across Europe, or even a weekend at a national park can do wonders before the craziness of college life begins. These trips can help you build amazing memories and push you out of your comfort zone, giving you some stories to share when you meet new people on campus. Take lots of pictures!
2. Read Classic Coming-of-Age Books
Let’s be real, reading for pleasure is about to get pretty rare once the semester kicks off. Why not dive into some classic coming-of-age novels before the required reading lists take over? Books like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Fault in Our Stars, or Eleanor and Park totally capture that in-between high school and college vibe. Plus, they might help prep your brain for the hefty reading loads coming your way.
3. Binge-Watch Iconic Coming-of-Age Movies
Movies are basically life lessons wrapped in two hours of entertainment. Whether it’s the rebellious energy of Dead Poets Society, the nostalgic feels of Stand By Me, or the hilarity of Superbad, these films capture the essence of what it means to transition from high school to the “real world.” Bonus points for having a marathon night with your squad before everyone parts ways!
4. Create an Epic Summer Bucket List
Got big plans for this summer? Make sure you actually do them by creating a bucket list. Fill it with things like:
- Travel goals
- Fun activities with friends
- New hobbies to try
- Books, movies, or albums to check out
- Bucket list adventures (skydiving, anyone?)
Hang it somewhere you’ll see every day as a reminder to make the most of this time.
5. Spend Time with Childhood Friends
These are the people who know you best, and this might be one of the last summers you’ll all have together. Plan some slumber parties, beach trips, or just hang out and do nothing for old times’ sake. Capture it all with pics for Instagram—or just for your memory box. You’ll be glad you did when you’re missing them during finals week.
6. Take Interesting Classes or Workshops
Before you dive headfirst into college courses, why not dabble in something different? Local community centers, gyms, and colleges offer all kinds of summer classes. Try teaching swim lessons, acting in a local play, or even starting your own Etsy shop. It’s a fun way to discover new passions—and who knows? It might even look good on your college resume.
7. Get a Summer Job
Extra cash before college? Yes, please! Whether it’s lifeguarding, working at an ice cream shop, babysitting, or waitressing, a summer job will help you save up some spending money for college. Plus, you’ll build some real-world skills and responsibility—which will come in handy when juggling work-study jobs and coursework in the fall.
8. Volunteer for a Cause You Care About
If you’ve got some spare time, why not give back to the community? Volunteering at a food pantry, animal shelter, or conservation group can be super fulfilling. Plus, it’s a great way to beef up your college applications if you haven’t already. It’s a win-win: you help others and feel great about doing it!
9. Go Camping
Disconnect from your phone for a bit and get outside. Camping under the stars, roasting marshmallows, and going on hikes are perfect ways to recharge before the chaos of move-in day. Gather your friends, pack a tent, and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun in nature.
10. Attend Summer Festivals and Concerts
Outdoor concerts and festivals are a must in the summer. Whether it’s a small local show or a huge festival, live music is the vibe you want to be chasing. So, grab your friends and your dancing shoes, and enjoy those summer nights with good music and even better memories.
11. Learn to Cook Your Fave Meals
You’re about to live off of ramen, frozen pizza, and whatever’s available in the dining hall. But you can break that cycle by learning to cook a few of your favorite meals before college starts. Your future self will thank you when you’re whipping up something delicious while everyone else is stuck with microwave mac and cheese.
12. Start Your Own Blog
Got thoughts to share? Start a blog! It’s a great way to work on your writing skills and express your interests—whether it’s travel, food, fashion, or anything in between. Who knows? Maybe it’ll even turn into a side hustle while you’re in school.
13. Pick Up a Brand New Hobby
Summer is the best time to experiment with hobbies you’ve never tried before. Whether it’s painting, rock climbing, or playing an instrument, now’s the time to dive in. You never know, you might discover a hidden talent or a new passion that sticks with you for years.
14. Dream Up Your Ideal Dorm Room
You’ll be spending a lot of time in your dorm room, so why not make it your personal oasis? Spend some time now planning how you want it to look. Pinterest is your friend here—go wild with color schemes, storage ideas, and cute decor. Having a plan will make move-in day way less stressful.
15. Tour Local College Campuses
Even if you’ve already picked your college, visiting other campuses nearby can help you get a feel for what’s in store. Plus, if you’ve got friends going to those schools, it’s an excuse for a mini road trip. Tour the dorms, chat with current students, and soak in the college vibes.
16. Do College Orientation and Pre-College Programs
Many colleges offer summer orientations or pre-college programs to help new students get comfortable with campus life. You’ll get to meet other incoming students, tour the campus, and get the inside scoop on what to expect. Don’t skip out—it’ll make your transition to college way smoother.
17. Research Scholarship Options
College is expensive. Like, really expensive. Spend some time looking for scholarships you can apply for before the semester starts. There are scholarships for just about everything—so take advantage of that and apply to as many as you can. Every little bit helps!
18. Shop Early for Dorm Room Must-Haves
Avoid the last-minute rush by shopping for your dorm room essentials now. Shower caddies, mattress toppers, organizers, and school supplies are all things you’re going to want to have ready to go. Check out websites like Dormify for inspiration (and discounts!) before move-in day.
19. Schedule Your Senior Photo Session
If you haven’t had your senior photos done yet, now’s the time. Not only will you need them for yearbooks and graduation announcements, but it’s also just a great way to commemorate this chapter of your life. Book your session early, so you’re not scrambling later!
20. Soak Up Quality Family Time
You’re about to be out on your own, so take advantage of this time to hang out with your family. Whether it’s movie nights, family dinners, or trips to the beach, make the most of these last few months under the same roof. You’ll miss them more than you think once you’re away at school!
21. Seize All The Little Moments
It’s easy to get caught up in planning and stressing about the future, but don’t forget to just enjoy the moment. Whether it’s lounging by the pool, having late-night talks with friends, or simply taking in the summer breeze, savor it all. This is a special time in your life, so make the most of every second!
There you have it! Your ultimate summer bucket list to make sure you walk into college with no regrets. What memories will you create before college officially kicks off?