Taking a summer semester can consume all of a student’s time, making it difficult for them to get out and enjoy summer activities and vacations.

I don’t know about everyone else, but I have had a hard time being able to take vacations this summer with my heavy course load. Just when I think I have some time off, I get piled high with homework.

We all have one glorious week between finals and the beginning of fall semester, so here’s some must do’s to celebrate the break!

Camping

A fresh breeze blows against your face and all you can hear are the sounds of birds chirping. No books, no long lectures. To get out and enjoy the last of the warm summer nights, try camping with friends.

There are many places in Utah to go camping. One of my favorites is the Uintas. The drive from Ogden to the Uintas is around two hours. It may be a long drive, but you deserve a little vacation after all the studying you have been doing for the last 3 1/2  months.

Day trip

Pop your best road trip music into your car and set off on your next adventure. As poor college students, day trips are often our best option.

Pack your car with friends, decide on a destination and get driving. This is a great activity to do before summer ends!

Bear Lake makes a fun and close day trip. Spend the day meandering through small hometown shops and swimming in the nice, cool water. But remember to wear sun block! You wouldn’t want to start the new semester looking like a lobster.

Water slides

Take a trip to a local water park. This is a great way to cool off when the summer heat starts to get the best of you. In order to make up for lost time, due to summer studying, dip your toes in the water or plunge right in.

There are many water parks in Ogden, as well as nearby. North Shore Aquatic Center, located in North Ogden, Cherry Hill, located in Kaysville and Classic Waterslides, located in Riverdale are all great options.

Drive-in

Watch a movie beneath the stars. You can make it a romantic evening with a date or just a night out with a group of friends.

This is a classic activity as people have been going to drive-ins for years now. For a fun and social evening, try making friends with the people in the cars next to you.

Motor Vu drive-in is located in Riverdale next to target Walmart and JoAnn’s. The drive-in opens at 7 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Movies start at 9:45 p.m. and admission into the movie costs $7.50 per person.

Concert

Concerts are a great way to get out and meet new people. Choose a band you want to see or even check out what free concerts are playing in your area.

I saw Far East Movement at the Gallivan Center a few weekends ago. On Saturday, July 26 Train came to Salt Lake City for a free concert. Look for those free concerts and get out and enjoy them!