Things to look forward to for summer 2022

The last day of class is officially in the book, and there are less than 3 weeks until summer break! Even though you might be drowning in homework, projects, and papers right now, it’s never too early to start making plans for this summer. The anticipation can be an excellent boost to your mood and mental energy, helping you power through these last few weeks. Don't want to let your first fully in-person summer fly by without any exciting plans? I’ve gotcha back! Here are some suggestions to craft the most exciting summer plan ever:

1. sleep 

You know, we had to put this on top of the list! Come on, who doesn't love sleep?! Since there's no more PS11 homework and 70-page gened readings to do, you can finally recommit to the neglected relationship with your bed and pillow. Additionally, those thousands of alarms? Gone. Hopefully, with more sleep, you are more energized to do more things that you love, such as catching up on your breadsticks! Did I say breadsticks? Oopsies, I meant Netflix.

2. Netflix binge

Alas, you can finally stop ghosting that friend who always loves to spoil all the plots for you. I can’t wait to binge-watch all Bridgerton episodes (psst, potentially another Julia Quinn interview?) and enjoy Married at First Sight without fast-forwarding to the most exciting parts.  

3. spontaneous adventures

The possibilities are endless, whether it is exploring new trails around your home (No this does not mean hiking by foot to the SEC instead of taking the shuttle!), driving with your window down, blasting music along the highway, shopping till you drop, solo traveling to a new country, or going fruit-picking with family. The sky's the limit here when it comes to spontaneous fun. Be creative, and remember to snap lots of great pics and videos!

4. beach days 

Soaking in that hot summer sun while showing off that beach body you've worked so hard for this past semester. Organizing beach days is a must-do item on your summer bucket list. Ocean, river (other than the Charles), waterfall, lake, or your backyard swimming pool. Just remember to flex that sunglasses and wear a ton of sunscreen. 

5. outdoor summer concerts

Missing the recent YardFest experience with Mr. Swae Lee? Glitter up! Get ready to scream at the top of your lungs as you concert-hop this summer. Concerts bring music to life and energize your soul as the melody sweeps through every muscle of your body. It's a form of mental escape and allows you to be in the moment without worrying about what everyone around you is thinking. They're probably too busy screaming the lyrics and sweating anyways.

6. catching up with friends you haven't seen in a while

You bonded through spilling good old high school dramas. You promised to stay in touch before college. NOW, it is the time to carry out that promise. Those Insta stories or random Tik Tok videos you sent to your close friends are nothing compared to in-person get-togethers. Summer is a perfect time to catch up and have a good old-fashioned sleepover. 

7. longing to go back to Harv in the fall (not the case for me)

It wouldn't be exciting to return if we didn't leave, am I right? maybe do this as the last thing on your bucket list after exhausting all your internship stipend and student worker salaries on the concerts, travels, and food. Time to get a head start on the grind, email that GenEd professor to get an early first impression, spice up your dorm designs for next semester, or stalk your crushes on social media (shoot, how did I scroll to their 2011 photos. Uhh.. I clicked like- holy crap!)

8. more time for self-care

This summer, take some time to surround yourself with people that make you feel good. Wear what makes you feel beautiful and confident. Allow yourself to relax and DO NOTHING for at least a week. Try something new, travel to a new place, read a new book, pick up a new hobby, or learn a new skincare routine. Start each day with gratitude and mindfulness meditation, and make time for things that matters to you! 

It has been 3 years since you last had a full in-person summer experience. Live this summer to the fullest. You've worked hard all year. It's time to relax and enjoy life for a bit. See you all on the other side!