What to Do After High School: Your Ultimate Guide to an Epic Summer

Congratulations, graduate! You’ve finally finished high school, and now you’re staring down three months of freedom before college begins. You’re free from homework, school sports, and extracurricular activities. But what do you do with all this time? Fear not! Here’s a casual, funny guide to making the most of your post-high school summer.

1. Get a Summer Job

Why You Should Do It

Let’s face it: college is expensive. A summer job can help you save up some cash to cover books, food, and all those late-night pizza runs. Plus, it’s a great way to gain some work experience and boost your resume.

Job Ideas

• Retail: Flex those customer service muscles and master the art of folding clothes.
• Food Service: From flipping burgers to crafting artisanal lattes, food service can be fast-paced and fun. Plus, you might get free food!
• Internships: If you’re lucky, you might snag a paid internship in a field related to your future major. Experience and cash? Yes, please!

Pro Tip

Check out job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor. Start your search early to grab the best gigs.

2. Hunt for Scholarships

Why You Should Do It

There’s a ton of free money out there just waiting for you to claim it. Scholarships can significantly reduce your college debt, and there are scholarships for practically everything.

Where to Look

• Fastweb: A comprehensive scholarship search engine.
• Scholarships.com: Another excellent resource for finding scholarships.
• College Board: Offers a robust scholarship search tool.
• Local Organizations: Rotary clubs, community foundations, and local businesses often offer scholarships.

Pro Tip

Apply to as many scholarships as you can. Yes, it can be tedious, but every little bit helps. Tailor your essays to each scholarship to increase your chances of winning.

3. Relax and Recharge

Why You Should Do It

You’ve worked hard for the past four years. Take some time to relax and enjoy yourself before the next academic marathon begins.

How to Chill

• Binge-watch TV Shows: Catch up on all the shows you missed during high school. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, you name it.
• Read for Fun: Remember reading for pleasure? Dive into those novels you’ve been eyeing.
• Vacation: If you can, take a trip with family or friends. A change of scenery can do wonders.

Pro Tip

Balancing relaxation with productivity will help you feel refreshed and ready for college.

4. Maintain Friendships

Why You Should Do It

You’ve made some great friends in high school, and even though you’re all going off to different colleges, it’s important to stay connected.

Ways to Keep in Touch

• Group Hangouts: Organize movie nights, beach days, or BBQs.
• Road Trips: Plan a road trip with your closest friends. The memories will last a lifetime.
• Social Media: Stay active on social media and group chats to keep up with everyone’s lives.

Pro Tip

Schedule regular meet-ups and make an effort to check in with friends. Friendships take effort but are so worth it.

5. Prepare for College

Why You Should Do It

The transition to college can be a big one. Preparing now will make the move smoother and help you feel more at ease.

What to Do

• Shop for Dorm Essentials: Bedding, toiletries, school supplies, and decorations are a must. Check out Amazon for some great deals.
• Learn Basic Life Skills: Cooking, laundry, and budgeting are essential skills you’ll need. Practice now!
• Connect with Roommates: Reach out to your future roommates to break the ice and discuss shared items.

Pro Tip

Make a checklist of everything you need to buy and do before college. This will keep you organized and ensure nothing is forgotten.

6. Volunteer

Why You Should Do It

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, gain experience, and feel good about yourself. Plus, it looks great on your resume.

Where to Volunteer

• Local Shelters: Animal shelters, homeless shelters, and food banks are always in need of help.
• Community Events: Help organize or run local events and festivals.
• Environmental Groups: Join a local cleanup crew or conservation project.

Pro Tip

Find something you’re passionate about. Volunteering should be fulfilling and enjoyable.

7. Take a Class or Workshop

Why You Should Do It

Learning doesn’t have to stop just because school is out. Taking a class or workshop can keep your brain engaged and help you develop new skills.

Ideas

• Community College Courses: Many community colleges offer summer courses at a low cost.
• Workshops: Look for workshops in areas like photography, coding, cooking, or art.
• Online Courses: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer a wide range of online classes.

Pro Tip

Choose something that interests you and that you’ll enjoy. This is your chance to explore new subjects without the pressure of grades.

8. Travel

Why You Should Do It

Traveling can be an eye-opening experience and a great way to learn about different cultures, meet new people, and make lasting memories.

Travel Tips

• Budget-Friendly Options: Look for budget-friendly travel options like road trips, camping, or staying with friends or family.
• Study Abroad Programs: Some programs offer summer study abroad opportunities.
• Volunteer Abroad: Combine travel with volunteering for a meaningful experience.

Pro Tip

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Plan ahead, look for deals, and be open to new experiences.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—your ultimate guide to making the most of your summer before college. From getting a job and hunting for scholarships to relaxing and maintaining friendships, there’s plenty to keep you busy and productive. Remember, this is your time to enjoy yourself, prepare for the next chapter, and maybe even learn a thing or two. So, go out there and make this summer unforgettable!

And don’t forget to check out our list of Dorm Room Essentials!