As a college student, your summers are probably filled with working, taking summer courses, and trying to relax when you can. With little money and free time, it can be difficult to find fun things to do. Even if you feel like you’re missing out on some of the fun things your friends are doing, there are a number of activities and events you can take advantage of with little to no money.
When it’s time to head back to college and Greek life, be sure to contact Upper Crust Food Service to learn how our meal plans for sororities and fraternities can save you money while providing the delicious and healthy food you need. From meal plans to special one-time catering events, we are here to serve the meals you love.
1. Go for a Hike
Hiking is a great way to get exercise, unwind, and enjoy nature for free. Whether you have a favorite trail or are new to hiking, you’re sure to enjoy your time outside. Hiking is a great way to ground yourself when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, as you unplug and slow down. You can extend your time in nature by planning ahead with a picnic lunch.
2. Walk on the Beach
If you are fortunate to live near the ocean, then you should definitely take advantage of it! Walking on the sand while you smell the salt breeze and listen to the surf rushing to the shore is a sure-fire way to unwind and let your cares float away. Even if the water isn’t warm enough to enjoy just yet, you could sit down on the sand and soak up some warm sunshine before heading back home.
3. Enjoy a Backyard Campfire
A firepit is a great way to enjoy the benefits of a campfire without all the hassle of camping. Since you may not have time to go camping due to your other responsibilities, you can still make time to sit around your fire pit, roast marshmallows, and watch the stars come out.
4. Take an Online Art Class
You don’t have to be a professional artist to express yourself artistically. Not sure how to get started? Find an online art class that teaches you how to paint, sculpt, or draw. You never know when you’ll discover your next favorite hobby.
5. Explore Photography
Photography offers a great opportunity to view your everyday world through new eyes. From family members and animals to plant life and architecture, there is an almost endless array of subjects from which to choose.
6. Try Creative Writing
Whether or not you think of yourself as a writer, you should try your hand at creative writing. The good news is that no one will look at it to grade, which gives you the freedom to put your thoughts down on paper. Don’t worry about accuracy, just start by crafting the story you see in your mind’s eye. Who knows? You may discover a long-hidden talent!
7. Study a Different Language
Learning another language is not only fun but also useful. If you’re like most college students, then you probably studied French or Spanish for a couple of years in high school. With that in mind, consider extending your studies of that language with the goal of becoming fluent. There are a variety of online resources to help you on your journey.
8. Learn an Instrument
While we don’t recommend annoying your family by trying to play an instrument for hours on end, we do encourage you to explore your musical side. In fact, if you’re interested in one of the louder instruments, there are steps you can take to muffle the sound so that your family doesn’t have to listen to your early efforts at learning to play.
9. Listen to an Audiobook
After all the time you spent reading during the last semester in college, you may not feel like picking up another book yet, even if it is for fun. With that in mind, look for an audiobook that you can listen to while driving around, working out, or cooking a meal.
10. Discover a New Workout
There are so many different ways to workout, that there may be some forms of exercise that you haven’t tried yet. From yoga and pilates to kickboxing and spinning, take advantage of your unscheduled time to explore something new and see if it’s a good fit.
11. Play a Round of Golf
Golf is a great way to get outside, enjoy some sunshine, have a conversation with a friend, and exercise. In fact, we challenge you to leave the golf cart at the club house and walk the course. You might be surprised at how quickly you’ll get in your steps for the day.
12. Challenge a Friend to a Dance Competition
There are a number of dance video games that offer challenge portions for you to do with another person. You can choose the type of dance, the level of difficulty, and the number of competitors. If you choose to practice ahead of time, don’t worry, we won’t tell your friends.
13. Ride a Bike
Even if you learned to ride a bike as a child, it may have been a long time since you went for a bike ride. Whether you choose to ride around your neighborhood or bike on a trail, take some time to get outside this summer and rediscover the joy of riding your bike.
14. Embark on a Movie Marathon
One of the best aspects of summer break is that, unless you have a busy work schedule, your weekends are your own. With that in mind, pick a theme, television series, or your favorite movies of all time and enjoy your own movie marathon. Don’t forget the popcorn and sweets!
15. Experiment in the Kitchen
Summer is a great time to try new recipes in the kitchen or strengthen your current cooking skills. There are so many different resources available to help you achieve your cooking goals. From magazines and television shows to cookbooks and websites, you’re sure to find the platform that works best for you.
Your Top Rated National Food Catering Choice
When summer ends and you get ready to head back to college, make sure that your sorority or fraternity has your meal plans taken care of. At Upper Crust Food Service, we provide meal plans to serve the needs of both sororities and fraternities, as well as unique catering events. Contact Upper Crust today to learn more about the services we offer, and make your Greek life even better!