Whether or not you have a fantastic internship, it’s time to start thinking about ways to unwind after this crazy intense semester. With freedom fast approaching, it can be fun to entertain notions about what the months ahead will hold. Here are a few things that you might look forward to, in lieu of stressing out about homework and exams:
Number One: Picnics
Who says that these are old fashioned? I joined the Brown Christian Fellowship today for a nice, relaxing picnic on Pembroke field. With food, sunshine, good friends and sports, it was the perfect way to recalibrate before the first week of exams. (If you’re planning to spend the summer with a special someone, a picnic in the park could be a great date activity!)
Number Two: Road Trip
My favorite part about coming home is getting to drive my car (which I’ve so aptly named King Priam, the Prius.) As a native Californian, there’s nothing I love better than speeding down the highway with the windows down, some good music playing, and the sea breeze running through my hair. Grab a few friends and pick a destination for your trip. Nothing feels better than to take control of the wheel, and especially after having felt utterly out of control with your academic schedule!
Number Three: Swimming
Whether it’s at the beach, in a lake, or (if you’re lucky!) in a backyard pool, swimming is an essentially necessary summer activity. The Beach Boys were thusly named for a reason; because Wouldn’t it Be Nice to be swimming right now? Or as Dory once told us, Just Keep Swimming…Spend the coming weeks shopping for that new, its-bitsy-teeny-weeney-yellow-polka-dot-bikini, because (let’s face it…) isn’t that half the fun? What better way to spend your afternoon than diving headfirst into the water?
Number Four: Camping
All right, so there’s an out-doorsy trend to my madness. But summer is the best time to be out and about, not cooped up inside of your house or apartment. Going camping can be an easy, relatively inexpensive trip to take during the months when you’re not quite so stressed. Take some time to enjoy Mother Nature, and imagine what it’s like to survive in the wild. Having some quality time to breathe in the scene of pine trees can do wonders for the (particularly feminine) soul.
Number Five: Music Festival
As a Native San Franciscan, attending Outside Lands was one of my favorite activities from Summer 2011. Depending on where you’ll be spending your summer, consider trying to make it out to Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, etc. Spend time with friends, eat carnival food, and enjoy the music of some of your favorite bands. Check out the lineup for some of these events, and you’re sure to be impressed! I was lucky enough to see Major Lazer, the Decemberists, Beirut, and Arcade Fire…all in the same day. (Beat that!)
Whatever you get up to, Brunonians, kick back, relax, and enjoy yourselves. God knows you deserve it this year!