Creating the ultimate summer bucket list

Dominic Fernandez Staff Writer

When it comes to summer what isn’t there to love? Whether it be all the free time you might have, to the perfect weather to even some of the greatest memories with your closest friends, summer is a time to unwind, relax and even cross some things off of your bucket list. Now, I get that it might be a little cheesy to have one, but travelling is something everyone wants to do. What about having an excuse to pick up that skill that you always thought was cool but never had to time to try?

A bucket list is a compilation of life goals that you set for yourself. They can range from something simple—like trying out a new type of food—to something as big as backpacking across Europe for the first time. A bucket list is very useful over the summer, simply because it adds structure to your vacation and prevents you from wasting days away in your bed watching “The Office” for the 5th time (unless that’s a bucket list task).

It’s understandable that with the stress of finals and our bank accounts looking as empty as ever, it might not be easy for some to travel or do an awesome activity every week. However, there are still cost-efficient things you can do that can help you have an unforgettable summer. If you live in the NYC area or another urban area, be sure to download apps like Eventbrite which offer free events that range from the standard concerts to more obscure activities like pottery lessons or even full-blown BBQs. Quick tip for those in the NYC area: Vans hosts free concerts in Brooklyn over the summer with notable names, so be sure to check that out.

Other options include going to museums, baseball games, the beach with close friends, and the zoo—which even offers cheaper tickets on certain days during the summer. The mid-May to early-June period is one where most college students experience some downtime. Some rest and relaxation might be the right move, especially after a stressful finals week. For the seniors who are graduating and have nothing planned for the summer, this is a perfect time to either start pursuing career options or take that trip that you’ve been dreaming about for so long.

Seeing as how you’ll no longer be a college student, avenues will open up that weren’t available before. Maybe going away to another town for a weekend is a possibility or you could use this time to job search. As long as you’re enjoying the summer and crushing that bucket list, that’s all that matters.

Whether it’s a trip to California or Brooklyn, attending a free rock concert or taking a stroll through Central Park, just know that a bucket list is a personal thing and that you can change and fulfill as you see fit. From the Class of 2018 to the rest of Iona College, enjoy your summer and make it as fulfilling as possible!