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Heading off to college is a major milestone, but it’s important to not become so absorbed in preparing to leave home that you neglect to have fun over the summer. You’ll likely be away from most (if not all) of your high school friends for several months. Your last summer before college is the perfect time to make memories and take photos you can display in your apartment. Include the following ideas on your pre-college bucket list to fill the summer with fun activities.

1. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Spending time outdoors is great for your mental health. Plus, strenuous activities can help with your fitness levels. You’ll see benefits whether you go for a hike, kayak on the lake, or take a stroll in the park and have a picnic.

2. Organize a Road Trip

Have one last big adventure with friends from your hometown by organizing a road trip. Depending on how much time you have available and your budget, your trip could be for just a couple days or more than a week. You could travel to see a major landmark, visit a couple national parks, or hit the road with no real plan. Save money by packing a tent or even sleeping under the stars.

3. Go to a Concert

Another possible destination for your road trip is a concert or music festival. There tend to be many shows happening all over the country during the summer, meaning it should be possible to find something you’d enjoy that’s not too far away.

4. Read a Good Book

You also need some laidback activities for the summer. Put your brain into gear for your studies by reading at least one good book. It doesn’t need to be something related to your major — a novel, memoir, self-help book (perhaps about coping with challenges of college), or anything else you’d enjoy is fine. The important thing is to get into the habit of reading regularly.

5. Host a Dinner Party

Make sure your cooking skills are up to scratch before you head off to college — you’ll save a lot of money if you’re able to prepare most of your own meals. Put your skills to the test by hosting a dinner party for your friends. You could all go grocery shopping to purchase the ingredients you need to make a meal together or have a potluck where everyone brings a dish.

6. Visit Relatives

Remember to spend time with other people you won’t be seeing for a while, including relatives like grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. They’ll be glad to see you and excited to wish you well in the next stage of your journey. Make a promise to stay in touch when you say goodbye.

7. Take Photos of Your Pets

Pets are also an important part of your family — and you’re sure to miss them while you’re away at college. Dedicate a day to a photoshoot with your pets to ensure you have a few great shots you can frame or use in a collage when you’re decorating your bedroom.

8. Buy a Couple Houseplants

Another way to make your new apartment feel like home is with some houseplants. Purchase a couple that will be easy to keep alive.
One last thing to do before you head off to college is find great student housing. Barrie students can look no further than Arcadian Students.

Our brand new community is just 10 minutes from campus and provides you with your own room in a furnished suite or townhouse. If you don’t know anyone yet, that’s not a problem — we’ll match you with roommates. Apply now to secure a spot while there’s still space left.