When spring semester is over, it can be tempting to sit around, take naps and watch TV. Most students can lose up to 60 percent of what they learned in the past year over the summer, but you don’t have to be a victim of brain drain. Here are six ways you can keep your mind alert and active over the summer.
- Volunteer. Volunteering will help you stay on your feet and active in the community. This is also an opportunity to make friends and learn about people who are different from yourself. Giving your time to others who need it most is emotionally uplifting!
- Land an internship. Work experience outside of college can be invaluable and beneficial for any student. You’ll get to take a real-world look at your preferred industry, and you can begin to determine if it offers the career path you want to pursue.
- Summer courses. There are plenty of websites that offer free courses, such as Coursera and edX. Did you know that many of these websites are launched by accredited universities? Why not come back to school with some awesome, brand new knowledge?
- Read books. Instead of browsing Facebook, pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read on your shelf. College students have become embroiled in technology and social media, but books will strengthen your vocabulary and think more creatively.
- Exercise. Working out doesn’t have to be a drag. Riding a bike or going swimming are fun ways to keep your body moving and those endorphins active. If going to the gym bores you, or the equipment intimidates you, bring a friend along!
- Keep a list of goals. Nothing will challenge your mind more than coming up with a bucket list – what are those key things you want to see and do throughout your lifetime? If it’s a bigger goal, you can start taking steps this summer to achieve it.
The South Florida Education Center is your transportation hub for getting to class on time.