Even though the summer is winding down, there’s still time to create a bucket list of exciting things to do before school starts again. Soaking up the last few weeks of freedom with friends and family is a priority for many college-bound students.
What Is a Summer Bucket List?
A summer bucket list is a list of activities or experiences someone wants to have or do during the summertime. The items on the list can be anything from simple tasks like reading a certain number of books or taking a trip to the beach to more complicated undertakings like learning to surf or going on a road trip across the country.
Creating a summer bucket list is a great way to ensure you take advantage of everything the season offers. It’s also a fun way to document your summer memories and share them with friends and family.
Why Do College Students Make Summer Bucket Lists?
There are many reasons why college students might make summer bucket lists. For some, it’s a way to make sure they have a plan for how to spend their summer break. Others use it as a way of setting goals for themselves, both personal and professional. And for many, it’s simply a fun way to document their summer adventures.
Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt that creating a summer bucket list is a popular trend among college students. Here are six reasons why Jackson Bonnen and other college kids create summer bucket lists:
1. Making the Most of Their Summer
This is the last summer for high school seniors like Jackson Bonnen before they head off to college. They want to make the most of it by doing things they enjoy and relaxing before the chaos and stress of adjusting to life on a college campus.
College students also use bucket lists to stay busy and make the most of their summer break. There are only so many hours in the day during summer vacation, so having a plan of fun things to do helps students avoid wasting time.
2. Preparing for the Upcoming School Year
While summer is filled with opportunities to relax and recharge, it’s also a time when college students can start preparing for the upcoming school year. They can use their summer bucket list to set goals and complete tasks that will make the transition to college life more manageable.
For example, they might want to take a course to brush up on their math skills or visit their future college campus. Maybe they’ll pick up a part-time job to help pay for tuition or buy textbooks. Others might be researching scholarships and working on applying for grants so they can minimize their student loans.
3. Having Some Fun
A bucket list is about having the most fun you possibly can. It’s a chance to let loose and enjoy yourself without worrying about school or work. Jackson Bonnen and other college students listed music festivals, road trips, camping, amusement parks, and visiting new cities as items they’ve added to the top of their summer bucket lists.
4. Making Memories
For many college students, a summer bucket list is about making memories that will last a lifetime. Jackson Bonnen says trying something completely new, like skydiving or white-water rafting, is a fantastic way to create long-lasting memories with friends during this final summer before college.
5. Spending Time with Family and Friends
Getting in as much face-to-face time with your friends and family is a crucial item on many college students’ summer bucket lists. Whether going on a family vacation or just hanging out with friends at the local pool, these students know that quality time is valuable and will be in short supply once they start college.
One way to get the most time with friends and family is to plan a group trip or activity. That way, everyone can make the most of their summer break and create memories together.
6. Exploring New Places
Many college students want to explore new places and try new things. A summer bucket list is a great way to ensure they don’t miss out on any opportunities. Your bucket list could include faraway destinations like Europe or Asia or something closer to home like a new city or state. Jackson Bonnen believes this is a perfect opportunity to try new things, like hiking, biking, or kayaking, and make memories with family. The perfect trip could check multiple items off your bucket list all at once.
Final Thoughts
There’s no wrong way to go about creating a summer bucket list. The important thing is that you make the most of your time and do something you enjoy. Whether you’re a college student or not, everyone can benefit from having a plan for the summer. What’s one thing that you have on your bucket list this summer?