Summer break can feel like a welcome breath of freedom for college students—but it also comes with a big question: What should I actually do during summer break from college?
Whether you're looking to recharge, earn money, gain experience, or just have some fun, the summer months are full of possibilities. The key is to balance your downtime with opportunities that support your personal and professional growth.
Here’s a well-rounded list of 17 things you can do over the summer to make it rewarding, memorable, and aligned with your goals.
Make the Most of Your Time Off From College
Why Summer Break Matters
Summer break isn’t just for sleeping in and binge-watching shows (though a little of that is fair game). It’s a valuable window for building life skills, exploring your interests, and investing in your future, without the pressure of classes and exams.
Gain Experience and Build Your Resume
1. Get a Summer Internship
Internships—whether paid or unpaid—are one of the best uses of your summer. You’ll gain real-world experience, build your network, and strengthen your resume for post-graduation job hunting.
2. Take a Part-Time Job
Need to save for tuition or travel? Summer jobs at restaurants, retail shops, camps, or local businesses help you earn while developing customer service, time management, and teamwork skills.
3. Volunteer for a Cause You Care About
Volunteering shows initiative and social responsibility. Look for nonprofits, shelters, or community events that align with your values and interests.
Focus on Personal Growth
4. Take a Summer Class
Knock out a prerequisite or explore a new subject. Many colleges offer online or community-based summer courses that give you a leg up when the fall semester starts.
5. Learn a New Skill or Hobby
From coding and photography to pottery or cooking, summer is perfect for discovering something new. Check out free or affordable courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare.
6. Improve Your Physical and Mental Health
Establish healthy habits. Whether it’s daily walks, joining a gym, practicing mindfulness, or eating more intentionally, this time can help reset your well-being.
Travel and Explore (Even on a Budget)
7. Plan a Road Trip With Friends
You don’t need a huge budget to have an adventure. Grab a map, split gas costs, and explore nearby cities, national parks, or quirky roadside attractions.
8. Study Abroad or Join a Travel Program
If you’ve got the budget and curiosity, summer study abroad programs or cultural exchanges offer unique travel experiences with educational benefits.
9. Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
Check out local museums, hiking trails, cafes, or seasonal festivals you haven’t experienced before. It’s a low-cost way to refresh your routine and discover hidden gems.
Prepare for Your Future
10. Build Your LinkedIn and Resume
Update your profiles, get a professional headshot, and add new experiences. This is also a great time to connect with professors, mentors, or past employers for recommendations.
11. Explore Career Options
Shadow a professional in a field you're curious about, schedule informational interviews, or attend a networking event. These small steps can provide clarity and direction.
12. Start a Side Hustle
Got a knack for design, writing, pet sitting, or tutoring? Turn your skills into a summer side hustle that builds both your confidence and income.
Relax and Recharge
13. Take a Technology Detox
Step away from constant notifications and scroll time. Spend a few days or even just evenings offline to reconnect with yourself, nature, or in-person conversations.
14. Read for Pleasure
Ditch the textbooks and dive into fiction, memoirs, or self-help titles. Reading expands your worldview and is a great way to unwind.
15. Sleep—Seriously
Use summer to fix your sleep schedule and catch up on rest. A well-rested brain is sharper and more creative when school starts again.
Connect With Others
16. Reconnect With Family and Old Friends
Summer break is a chance to strengthen bonds that get overlooked during the busy semester. Host a game night, cook dinner with your parents, or plan a meetup with hometown friends.
17. Meet New People Through Events or Clubs
Try something new—a dance class, trivia night, or outdoor yoga session—and expand your social circle beyond your college campus.
Smart Ways to Balance Fun and Productivity During Summer Break
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with choices. Should you relax or hustle? Travel or work? The answer is: you can do both. Plan your summer with a blend of activities that excite you, grow your skills, and give you space to rest. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing what matters to you.
Turn Summer Break Into a Launchpad for Growth
Now that you know what to do during summer break from college, it’s time to build a plan that works for your goals and lifestyle. Whether you use the break to relax, boost your resume, explore the world, or all three—your future self will thank you.
No matter how you spend it, make sure summer is more than a blur. Be intentional, stay curious, and enjoy the freedom that only this season can offer.
FAQs About What to Do During Summer Break From College
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What’s the best way to be productive over summer break?
Start with one or two specific goals—like getting an internship or learning a new skill—and build a routine around them. -
How do I balance rest and productivity during break?
Set boundaries for both. Schedule downtime just as you would a part-time job or project. You’ll return to college more refreshed and focused. -
Can I still have fun if I’m working all summer?
Absolutely. Plan small adventures on your days off, connect with friends in the evenings, and make time for your favorite hobbies. -
Is it okay to do “nothing” during summer break?
Yes. Taking a break is valuable, especially if you’ve had a tough semester. Just aim for intentional rest—doing things that restore you. -
What’s the most budget-friendly way to enjoy summer?
Explore free or low-cost activities—local hikes, volunteering, movie nights, or learning through free online resources.
