Alice Vol. 3 No. 3

Summer in the City:
A guide for surviving empty college towns
By Sara Beth Bolin
As finals wind down and graduation passes, everyone
has their minds on one thing: summer. Students
return home, get an internship or summer
job, study abroad or spend their time tanning on the
beach. However, there remains just a brave few who
stick around after the campus empties and the traffic
becomes much more bearable.
Maybe you’re taking classes, working or trying to
save money after a botched attempt at subletting
your apartment. Whatever the case, these boredom-busters
are sure to add a little extra fun to
your summer.
Mix Up Your Routine
In the midst of boredom, sometimes mixing it up
can add that little change you’ve been searching for
during a busy semester. Try a new coffee shop or
bar to frequent. Been a yoga junkie for a few years?
Give kickboxing a try. A simple change in diet, music,
or wake up time could radically change your
outlook on your college home.
Explore Somewhere New…
Sometimes, getting out of town for a day or two
can be enough to come back refreshed and ready
to go. Don’t be afraid to walk around the main
square of the next town over or travel a few hours
to a bigger city. Go to a nearby zoo or scout out a
music festival.Marianne Martin, a senior at The University
of Alabama, spent last summer taking classes
and decided to take off with a friend for a week
of adventure.
“We drove to Wyoming from Alabama to see my
roommate’s relatives,” Martin said. “And honestly, it
was just good to get a change of scenery. I came
back ready for the second session of summer classes!”
...Or Your Own Backyard
Have a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try?
Now’s your chance! Since there are fewer students
in town, wait times will be lower and you’ll likely get
more personalized service. Check out the hiking
trails or stores you’ve always eyed but never had a
chance to go explore.
Can’t think of anywhere new to venture? Try playing
what I call “The Dice Game.” Bring a friend and
some dice and roll to find your next destination.
Ones and twos mean right, threes and fours are
straight, and fives and sixes call for left. There’s no
telling where you’ll end up!
Discover an Unknown Passion
If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do
but never had the motivation, now’s your chance!
Maybe you’re a really good chef but never had time
to cook because you were too busy studying for exams.
Invite your classmates or co-workers over for a
girls night with a new recipe. Want to see if you’re an
artist? Pick up a canvas and some paint and go for it!
There are tons of hobbies like running, rock climbing,
knitting, finding a passion, becoming an activist,
baking-- even checking out books from your local
library and becoming a bookworm counts!
Find A New Crew
There’s lots to do, but your friends are off on their
own adventures. Who do you invite to come with
you? Don’t be afraid to talk to your new coworkers
and classmates; they won’t bite. Chat up the barista
who makes the perfect chai, or befriend the next
door neighbor you’ve never talked to. The town
may be empty of college students, but that doesn’t
mean no one’s there!
Yes, summer in a college town is different, but that
doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. There’s plenty
of fun things to spice up your summer if you have a
little imagination and an open mind. Maybe you’ll
meet your new BFF, pick up a hobby that becomes
your greatest passion, or just successfully get to the
fall semester. No matter the outcome, with these
tips up your sleeves, you’re ready to combat the
summer blues!
18 Alice Summer 2018