Students need the summer to rest and relax and may be busy with summer jobs. But THEIR downtime during the vacation months can sometimes collide with our work responsibilities, need for sleep and/or the activities of younger siblings.
Here are 30 ideas for students to make the most of summer vacation. While these projects and activities mainly pertain to college students or soon-to-be-freshmen, many are things that younger students can also do. Some make be months-long projects while others may be one-offs that require little time.
(Hint: Print this out and leave it near the remote control where they are sure to find it.)
How students can use free time this summer
Dear College Student,
We know you need to rest and recharge this summer and we want you to prioritize your physical and mental health. You may also have a summer job that occupies most of your week. However, if you still have time on your hands, here are 30 ideas for how to make this summer a productive vacation. Some are long-term projects while others are one-off ideas that may only take an hour or so.
1. Create a LinkedIn profile
As you know, LinkedIn is ground zero for employers who scan the database for students with skills and qualifications that match their needs. Some jobs require LinkedIn to apply. If you haven’t already done so, upload a suitable profile picture and create an account. If you already have one, does it need to be updated?
(And yes, high school students can and should create a profile; here is a thorough checklist.)
2. Familiarize yourself with your college career counseling website
If you’re currently a college student or beginning school this fall, check out your college career counseling website. Career services is an underutilized area on campus that undergraduates should begin using from freshman year on. You cannot start the process too soon.
3. Update your resume
If you’ve not yet needed a resume to get a job, you’ll need one in your nervous system future. Check the career counseling website or Handshake for resources and templates.
4. Internships, work, shadowing a professional
Are you still looking for an internship this summer? If you haven’t already, try networking in your home town and see if you can find and/or create an opportunity for work or a chance to shadow someone in a profession you are interested in pursuing.
5. Online certifications
Through online certification programs, students can learn valuable skills and receive documentation to add to a resume upon completing a course. As an example, Coursera offers open online courses, specializations, degrees, and certificates.
6. Spend time with younger siblings
If you’ve been away at college, you may not realize how much your younger siblings have missed you. You will always be their much-admired big brother or sister, so set up board games, plan movie nights, or surprise your parents by cooking dinner with them. Make memories this summer for all of you.
7. Visit grandparents
Other than your parents, these adults have loved you with all their hearts since your very first breath. Now is the time to visit them in person and give them that bear hug and the companionship they’ve missed since they saw you last.
8. Take the car in for servicing
Is there a family car that you’re allowed to use? When does the inspection sticker or registration expire? Does the oil need changing? How about getting it washed? How does insurance include you as a driver? Take part in the car maintenance and, if your parents are letting you drive it to college in the fall, look at this checklist to ensure you are ready for the road trip.
9. Gather and sell old electronics
Chargers, old iPods, phones, cases, games, game systems, and more can be resold if you spend a little time researching who buys what. Learn how to gather and recycle old electronics (here is what Best Buy will take.) The Amazon Trade-In Program is a one-stop shop for trade-ins.
10. Donate or resell old books and textbooks
Locate the ISBN on each book and type it into a link on resell sites to discover if there is any resell value to the stack of textbooks in your room. World of Books, Chegg and Barnes & Noble are three sites to start with but there are many others.
11. Go through school mementos and cull them
Clutter is the enemy, and you are the only one who can fight the battle between what stays and what goes in your old room. Perhaps some of those programs, pictures, and knickknacks that once seemed so precious to you have lost a little luster. Time to trash things now.
12. Make a digital book calendar
When was the last family vacation you took with your parents and siblings? Why not create a photo book or calendar for 2026 with pics that are living on your phone? If you want to save the project for the holidays or an upcoming birthday, you’ll be way ahead with this project in the bank.
13. Research study abroad options
If you’re planning on studying abroad, this is the ideal time to research programs your college and other schools offer – there are endless possibilities! Ask for other students’ recommendations and see what advice they have for you.
14. Get safety training
Look at the Red Cross website or visit your local YMCA to see if there are any programs offered that can lead to certification in CPR, first aid, or lifeguarding.
15. Research graduate programs and requirements
You may find it hard to see beyond life as a college student, but if you think graduate school is in your future, take the time to look at a few university websites and research different programs. Find out about required entrance exams, average GPAs, undergraduate course work required, and firms that recruit at the school…. understanding more about grad programs can give you more focus as a college student with course selection and potential internships.
16. Consign or donate clothes
Are any of your clothes or accessories consignment-worthy? Here are the best place to consign, according to Nerd Wallet. Alternatively, if they are still wearable but you no longer need them, look for a Goodwill or local charity where you can donate them. I’ve had very positive experiences using our local BuyNothing community Facebook page.
17. Learn to cook
Time in the kitchen is never wasted and taking the lead in meal prep is the best way to learn to cook. Your parents have planned, shopped for, and prepared meals for decades. Why not take over the responsibilities for a few evenings and master some new recipes?
Maybe your parents would be willing to sign up for a meal subscription service like Blue Apron IF you do the cooking.
18. Help your neighbors
The summer is an excellent time to reach out to elderly neighbors, in particular, who might need someone to run errands, grocery shop, take care of home maintenance projects, or walk their dog.
19. Create an exercise routine
If you’ve never gotten into the habit, this could be a perfect time to begin to exercise so that when school starts again, you have a healthy new routine this fall. There are many online and app options if that is your preference but look into local gyms that may offer summer memberships priced for students.
20. Set goals
It’s the perfect time to think about what you hope to accomplish during the 2025-26 school year. Think about short-term academic goals ones but also consider longer-term goals, too. For inspiration and insight, read this bestseller, The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them, by Dr. Meg Jay.
21. Make a budget
Create a spreadsheet and sit with your parents to review your financial needs for the summer and the fall. This is an excellent exercise, especially if you’re going to college for the first time or if you plan to live in an apartment or want to join a fraternity or sorority. Your expenses might be higher than you anticipate so better to plan and have the discussion with your parents, now.
22. Plan a family excursion
Although summer feels like it will go on forever, there are only so many weekends when your entire family might be free to gather for an outing. These are memories your family will cherish.
23. Assemble two interview-worthy outfits
You’ll need to project a professional appearance when it’s time for a job interview. Make sure you’re ready with work-ready tops or jackets for online interviews. Go through your closet and see what fits and needs to be tailored and/or cleaned so you are prepared when the time comes for in-person appointments. Don’t forget to have a pair of professionally-appropriate shoes in good shape, too.
Many retailers offer discounts for students so search at the bottom of websites to learn about any student discount details and see how you might qualify.
24. Get the old gang together
Take the initiative, send out a few texts, and plan a summer get-together.
25. Doctor appointments
Have you outgrown the pediatrician’s office with the toys scattered around the waiting room floor? Talk to your parents about switching to an internist for your next appointment. While at it, do you need to see a dentist, dermatologist, eye doctor, or gynecologist? Stop asking your mom to make these appointments for you and get them on your calendar.
26. Get a jump on reading for the fall semester
Do you have reading-intensive fall courses? Why not get a jump on academics by picking one of the books off the reading list and finishing it before class begins. Besides, you can never waste time reading a quality book.
27. Check in with your high school guidance counselor
As a college student, you can be a helpful resource for current high school students, especially since students may not be able to visit campuses in person. Let your counselor know you’re willing to offer advice and counsel.
28. A dose of culture
Are there museums in your hometown (or nearby) that you haven’t visited since 3rd grade? Maybe it’s time to give culture another shot – you may discover a type of art or music that speaks to you now as a young adult, especially it feels less like an obligation and more like a self-discovery adventure.
29. Take primary care of your dog
Take on the messy responsibility of bath time and enjoy the one-on-one with your best buddy. While you’re at it, research what it costs to own and take care of a dog. Many students love the IDEA of a dog but are shocked at how expensive it is to buy food and pay for wellness care.
30. Volunteer your time
Volunteering in your community might be THE very best way to spend free time during your summer vacation. Find a good match for your interests and available time and see how you can make a positive difference in the lives of other people and organizations where you live.
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