April 29, 2021
As we approach the months of longer days and warm summer sunshine, it probably feels like the only real way to decompress is to binge-watch TV shows and sleep in until 11 am. While it is important to take time to decompress and recharge once the semester is over, there are so many ways you can utilize your summer to its fullest potential. Check out tips below to maximize your summer break.
Explore your city
Summertime can mean heading back to your hometown, so spend a day or a weekend being a tourist. Try a restaurant you haven’t been to, explore a new area of town, take a different route home or visit a place you have yet to explore. This will allow you to have a fresh perspective on a place you call home.
Look for a job or internship
Now is a great time to start thinking about your future. Whether you find yourself at a summer job or internship this year, or are taking the summer months to do other things, having your resume and LinkedIn profile ready to go and actively looking for work opportunities is a great way to learn all about opportunities available to you in your major or career path. Handshake and Career Services are great places to start building the assets needed to land that dream career.
Spend time outside
Most of our school year revolves around time spent inside, whether that be for classes, homework, or much-needed TV time. Summer is the perfect time to get outside and connect with nature. If you are in Lincoln, we suggest exploring the East Campus Gardens, the Sunken Gardens, Pioneers Park or Holmes Lake.
Try a new form of exercise
Looking to up your fitness routine? Summertime offers plenty of ways to make exercise more fun and enjoyable. From walking or biking, to swimming or golfing, there are ways to be active inside or outside in the summer months. If you find yourself in Lincoln, check out classes at Campus Recreation or the Outdoor Adventure Center for ways to stay active on campus.
Set a routine
Not to sound like the adult in the room, but routines are important all year round. Over the summer, you may have more flexibility in your routine, or your routine may change each day or week. Find 5 things that you can set into your daily or weekly routine to help each month have a little more structure. Some suggestions are: waking up at the same time (almost) every day, having a scheduled call or Facetime with a college friend, building lunch breaks into your day, closing your phone 30 minutes before you go to bed. You know what works best for you, so make sure you stick to it!
Take a summer course
While school might be the last thing on your mind, you can use summer classes to catch up or get ahead on degree requirements, expand your career skills and explore something new. This is the perfect opportunity to take a class you wouldn’t have time to fit into your typical semester.
Clean up your computer
After each semester, take a few hours cleaning up your computer. Clean up your desktop, delete old downloads you don’t need anymore and go through and organize your emails. Additionally, it is important to make sure your passwords aren’t being used on too many websites so that your online presence is protected. This fresh start will make you feel so much better, trust us.
Take time to relax
Coming off of a semester is the best time to recharge and reset. Even if you are taking summer classes or working a job or completing an internship, it is important to take time for yourself. Get a coffee from your favorite local coffee shop, pick up a new book from the library, watch a new to you show on TV, go for a long walk around the neighborhood. Whatever helps you feel the most like you.
No matter how you spend your summer, we are looking forward to seeing you all back on campus soon! Have a safe and relaxing summer, Huskers!