There are only a few months before we are back to the doldrums and stress of studying, homework, midterms, and all the other boring necessities of college life. So make the most of your summer sunshine with these five fantastic tips:

Play tourist and explore your town or city:

Whether you’re staying in your hometown or college town during your break, don’t let that stop you from having a fun time. Take the opportunity to play tourist and explore all the notable things about your town or city. Make a local bucket list of all the places you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t had the chance to, like amusement parks, hiking trails, gardens, and events. Local sightseeing allows you to appreciate the beauty and history of where you live while also having a fun time on a budget.

Plan in advance:

If you’re looking to do some traveling during your break, make your plans early! Coordinate with friends and family to plan small trips ahead of time so that you can get time off of work and budget for adventure. You can buy a big white calendar and block out your trips, responsibilities, or work events so you can visually anticipate what the summer will look like for you. Planning ahead will also give you something to look forward to during the weeks leading up to your trip.

Study for the next phase:

If you’re planning on applying to law or medical school following your undergrad, your time off can be a great opportunity to start studying for the GRE or LSAT. Use this time to brush up on your skills and knowledge, and give yourself a head start on preparing for the test. Additionally, you can spend time researching graduate programs that interest you and begin networking with your professors and working on an applications. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to send in applications for graduate school.

Volunteer:

Volunteering is a fulfilling way to spend your time off, and it looks great on your resume. It’s also a great opportunity for hands-on learning and developing new skills. Consider volunteering at a local non-profit, animal shelter, or community center. Through volunteering you can give back to your community while also gaining valuable experience. If you’ll be in Utah this summer, check out this website for volunteer opportunities near you.

Develop your skills and hobbies:

Finally, use your time off to develop your skills and hobbies. Take this time to do what you’ve been saying you would do if you had more time. Hit the gym, do your art, plan future travels, or attend open mike nights. Whatever it is that you’ve been wanting to do, now is the time to do it! Developing your skills and hobbies can also help you unwind and relax during your break from school.

Making the most of your summer or time off can be a fun and productive experience that will recharge you for the school year ahead. Whether you choose to explore your town, plan a trip, study for graduate school, volunteer, or develop your skills and hobbies, make sure to enjoy your break and have some fun!