It’s finally summertime, and you’re back home from the hustling Berkeley environment. You don’t have homework to complete, nor do you have a library to rot in. Not sure what to do with all of your free time? Well, don’t sweat it. Here are a few ideas for ways to fill that empty time and maximize your summer.
Depop your closet
This is the first thing that’s on my to-do list the minute I get home. It’s time to get rid of the clothes in your childhood bedroom’s closet. Did you leave for college with a half-packed suitcase, and return with two … and a carry-on? Perhaps your closet can’t even house your new array of outfits. That’s where Depop comes in! As a clothes merchandising platform, anyone is able to open a storefront and sell clothes they no longer want. So, take advantage of your free time and run to the post office, drop off the clothes and make some cash. Pro Tip: Get a pack of cheap mailers on Amazon and a roll of packaging tape, and you’re all good to go. Great entrepreneurial technique as well.
Take advantage of your car
If you have a car at home or access to one, you can finally give your feet a break from the Berkeley hills and step on that gas pedal. Longing for a much-needed solo jam sesh? Your car is your sanctuary. Drive to the beach, your favorite fast food restaurant or coffee shop or go see friends. Take that road trip you’ve been dreaming about, go visit your college friends or go on a camping trip. Since I have a car at home, catch me on a trip to Zion National Park. Caravan, anyone?
New workout regime
Without the constraints of your class schedule, this is your time to do some trial and error with a new workout routine. You can dabble across weightlifting, workout classes, recreational sports, hiking — the world is your gym! If certain facilities in your hometown have free trial classes or discounted packages for new customers, make sure not to miss them. You can come back to Berkeley in the fall with that summer body you’ve been talking about since New Year’s.
Pick up a new hobby
This is the time to bring your inner hippie, stereotypical Berkeley self home. Learn how to play the guitar or do a new art project. Become a matcha connoisseur or learn to DJ. Personally, I will be getting into bedazzling. I’ve already ordered a pack of rhinestones that have been delivered to my dorm, but I haven’t even opened the box. Don’t worry, half of my makeup products will be blinged out by the time my seven-hour drive home is complete.
Reading
Get into some casual reading. No, not lecture readings. Since you are reading my article, I assume you like to read, so perhaps dive into what I call beach reads. These are entertaining romantic comedies meant to read during times of leisure. Some of my favorite authors include Emily Henry, Carly Fortune and Abby Jimenez. I’m ashamed to say I’ve only read two books since the start of the year, so this summer I will be catching up on reading some new books by my favorite authors. If this genre is not your cup of tea, that is what BookTok is for. There is a huge online community of book lovers, so you will always find something interesting to flip through.
After all, summer is meant for doing whatever you please. Make it as productive or unproductive as you want, but doing some of these things will leave you feeling accomplished in one way or another.