CREDIT: LEANDRA GUMB
Summer is a time to recharge, but also a time to do some activities you may not always get the chance to do during the school year.

With only a few weeks left of the semester, it’s easy to think of all the things you are NOT going to do once the school year wraps up. The problem is, sometimes we let the summer months fly by without much thought. Not being productive can lead to boredom and falling into a rut that can be tough to get out of.

There are lots of things you can do to keep yourself busy to ensure you make the most out of your summer vacation. Here’s how:

Low Budget Trips

Sometimes the places we want to travel to in the summer don’t quite match the budget. Worldwide travel may be out of the question, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go anywhere. Camping, renting an Airbnb with friends, day trips to hiking spots, and heading to the beach are all low cost trips you can take to enjoy what summer has to offer without breaking the bank.

Read Books

Sometimes the last thing we want to do on our summer break is read for fun, because we spent so much time during the year reading textbooks and course materials. Reading keeps your brain sharp and is a healthy alternative to screen time. Go to a library or a large book store (such as Indigo) and take the time to pick out a book that you are excited to dive into. There’s a difference between reading a book for the sake of reading a book and reading a book because it looks interesting and exciting.

DIY Projects

Finding projects to do is a great way to keep yourself busy during the summer months. Refinish furniture such as end tables or book shelfs, make a craft, or figure out how to repurpose something that you already have. Pinterest is a great resource to find all kinds of projects to try.

Ride Your Bike or Walk

When the weather is nice, take advantage by walking or riding your bike to where you need to go. Not only is it a great way to stay active (without much commitment), but it’s a good way to stay in touch with your surroundings. Most cities offer bike racks at parks and near popular downtown attractions. In London, the Thames Valley Parkway along the Thames River offers a paved bike path that connects all the major parks along the river.

Join a Sports Team or Club

Joining a club or a team is a great way to meet new people, stay active, and relieve some stress in a fun way. In London, the Forest City Sport and Social Club offers a great amount of sport leagues from ultimate frisbee to beach dodgeball. Spikes Indoor Beach Volleyball offers multiple volleyball leagues all year long. See what is available in your area by checking online. Don’t forget to look for Facebook groups as well!

Try a New Patio

Take advantage of patio season and visit a new spot for some food or drinks with friends. This is a great way to stay social while enjoying the sunshine. If you are staying in London, check out some of the rooftop patios downtown and on Richmond Row.

Keep an Eye on The Event Calendar

The summer months are packed full of events and festivals that are often free to attend, and offer culture, food, and music. In London, there are events happening in Victoria Park/the downtown area most weekends from June to August. The London International Food Festival takes place June 21 to 23 and Sunfest is July 4 to 7. Check your local event calendar, usually available online, to see what’s happening around you this summer.