How to make the most of your last summer before college

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Emma Kelly, Staff Writer

The end of the school year is approaching quickly and for seniors, it’s especially bittersweet. After graduation, we have just three short months until college begins. Here’s a list of things to do that will make those three months a summer to remember!

1) Rent an Airbnb with friends

This is the perfect way to spend time with your high school friends before you all part ways for college. You don’t need to go far either, but if you add in a road trip it’s double the fun! There are many affordable places around the area where this is possible.

2)  Visit your childhood teachers

If you want a bit of nostalgia before you start a new chapter of your life, visiting your old teachers at your old elementary schools or middle schools is a great way to come full circle. And if you’re looking to be a teacher yourself, maybe you could shadow a teacher for the day.

3) Go to a music festival

There are various music festivals happening around the area during the summer that make for a super fun time with friends. Lollapalooza, Country LakeShake, and North Coast Music Festival are just a few of the many music festivals coming to Chicago this summer. Taking place in Wisconsin, Summerfest and Country Thunder are a couple other fun music festivals that are also very popular.

4) Get a job

There’s no better time than during the summer to save up for college. It is important to get a job that you will enjoy to avoid making your summer miserable. Some ideas could be working in retail, at a local restaurant, lifeguarding, or babysitting.

5) Be a tourist in our own city

There are many things happening in Chicago this summer including the Taste of Chicago, Windy City Smokeout and much more. You could do also something you’ve never done before or just simply walk around and go shopping with friends.

6) Plan a trip to meet your roommate

Connecting with your freshman year roommate early is always a good idea, since you will be spending a lot of time with them within next year. You might as well get to know them now and meet up over the summer just to keep in contact.

7) Shop for your dorm

It’s never too early to get started on shopping for your dorm. If shopping for your dorm this far in advance stresses you out, you’re not alone. At least start to make a list of all the items you will need by move in day. Remember, the earlier you get this done, the less you will stress about it later.

8) Make a scrapbook

Many memories are made in the summer, memories that you are going to want to look back on when you are away at college, especially if they’re of your last summer at home. Make sure to capture all of these moments and take pictures everywhere you go in the summer. You can gather all your photos up at the end of summer and make a collage to put up in your dorm room.

9) Go on a shopping spree

Don’t be afraid to make a few changes to your style. College is a fresh start so now is the chance to make a change to your look.

10)  Spend time with your family

Savor your time with your family because you won’t see them as often as you are used to when college rolls around. It is important to spend time with them because they will miss you and even if you don’t want to admit you will miss them too.