I’m Home! …Now What?

The few days or weeks after finals can be such a relief from those seven or ten days of straight stress that you really don’t want to do anything. Being home feels so much better than being cooped up in your dorm room – at least for a little while, until your family reminds you why you left for school in the first place and the only real comfort you have is your pets.

By Olua

And sure, you have stuff planned for the summer…but have you been outside recently? On most of the upper east coast, it’s far from summer. Heck, it still feels like March every now and then. So what to do? Here a few things that should spark your imagination, whether you have plans or not.

Unpack your stuff! I know this should seem like a common sense thing…but I haven’t yet, really, and I know people who leave their stuff in boxes for the better portion of the summer. Really, it’s easy and it gives you a little sense of accomplishment.

Hit the town! I know situations vary for everyone, but my school is in the middle of nowhere and I live just a trainride away from the city that never sleeps. Whether you’re window shopping, clubbing with buddies, or just taking a stroll in Central Park, it’s nice to remind yourself that there are places outside your campus. (And please, ladies, if you live near your campus…don’t go walking through it. That’s cheating.)

Get back to nature! Speaking of parks, how about doing a little garden work? For some of us, it’s a little difficult to be outside for long right now, but I know for me that there’s nothing better than getting dirt beneath my nails and scuffed up shoes while I plant some seeds. Again, not ideal for everyone, I know, but don’t get turned away so quickly! Gardening is a great stress relief. Really.

Make some money! Ah, money. How elusive you can be. Trying to find a summer job is no joke; it’s a tough world out there. But sites like Monster and even good ol’ Craigslist can help you find something to do this summer that’s not only enjoyable, but lucrative; and who doesn’t love that?

Go to the gym! I know for us gym-goers, this is a no-brainer. But for those of you who have shied away from the gym, don’t be scared; now is the perfect time. A ton of gyms are having summer specials, and the fact that you don’t have much else to do means you can get in when most of the machines are unoccupied. Trust; it’s worth it!

Of course, there are a ton of other things you could be or possibly already are doing; I know you guys are a busy bunch. There are things I’m doing that aren’t on this list, like getting reacquainted with Fuse and the video games I left home. But this stuff is at least productive, and you can have fun while feeling like you’re doing stuff too!