As seen by the hoards of fellow students camping in the PCL, finals week is very much present, and the only thing that should be on your mind besides doing amazing on your finals (which you will) is summer! Here are some things you should think about doing the second that last test is over. Time to let your hair down and get into that beautiful Austin sunshine, girl, you deserve it!
1) The Staycation
Regardless of whether or not you’re staying in Austin or going home for the summer, explore, explore, explore! We all know we have the privilege of living in one of the coolest places on the planet, but sometimes we lose sight of that buried in school and activities and all that college stress. Sometimes the most fun you can have is in your own backyard (okay not maybe literally your backyard, but you get the point)! Whether it’s heading down to Graffiti Park at night or shopping at that little boutique that has been calling your name for months, just try something new! I promise there’s nothing more exciting than seeing a city you thought you knew with fresh eyes. It’s basically like seeing that adorable kid from high school again, except now he’s Ryan Gosling hot!
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2) The Beach
That crystal blue water, the sand between your toes, and all that sun! After being cooped up indoors studying, head to the beach! All those cute bikinis you’ve been seeing everywhere have been specifically placed there by the universe just for you. Pack up your sunscreen, some friends, great music and spend the day or the week frolicking in the water. Imagine strutting down the beach like the fabulous person you are, without a care in the world and the wind in your hair. Just make sure you stay for those breathtaking beach sunsets. Finals will be nothing but a distant memory then. From South Padre to Cabo, if you’re not drinking something tropical with an umbrella in it then you’re doing it wrong!
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3) The Music Festival
If being crammed up next to thousands of people in flower headbands and high wasted shorts while listening to incredible music is your thing, keep that going with all the music festivals happening this summer! Just because SXSW is over and ACL is still a few months away doesn’t mean you can’t fill your summer with live shows galore. Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Warped Tour just to name a few will all be within reach. This isn’t just a small concert in some intimate venue on 6th, but a full on festival experience. Bring your girls, some fun outfits, camp out on the grounds and listen to your favorite bands! This will definitely bring you back from the death that is finals week. The eclectic mix of artists and tons of new people you’ll meet are sure to keep you occupied and in musical bliss.
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4) The Road Trip
If you’ve sat in Austin traffic around 5 pm, you know the definition of torture. Being in a car doesn’t have to be that awful this summer! Pile your besties in your car, make the most fantastic playlist there is and pick a random place to drive to. It doesn’t matter if it’s some small town or a huge city, just enjoy all the great memories you’ll be making! There’s nothing greater than being with friends driving on the open road for a few hours. Take this time to catch up on any details of their lives you may have missed while studying. The life epiphany your friend may have had this week? Now is your opportunity to hear all about it. Make every pit stop a photo-op and Instagram your entire trip. They say it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey. This road trip is sure to prove to you they weren’t lying.