Summer break has either started or is coming very soon for you. Here are 18 ideas to take advantage of your free time during the summer. Some have to do with being pre med, but most are just about enjoying life!

Start a blog. It’s fun, everyone and their mom does it, why not you?

Read. Fiction, nonfiction, comic books. It doesn’t matter. Just pick your favorite spot and relax.

Build something with your hands. It can be very satisfying.

Take a class. Don’t take a full year of A&P over the summer though, trust me, it sucks.

Volunteer. Medical, non-medical, just make sure it’s something you’re interested in.

Play Ultimate Frisbee.

Run a Marathon.

Start a Happiness Project.

Simplify your life. Get rid of things you do not use or need. Talk less, listen more.

Plant a garden. Healthy and fun.

Do some soul searching. Ask yourself, “Is my life going in the direction I want it to? Am I maturing as a human?”

Go camping and roast marshmallows.

Go on a bike tour.

Buy a Lonely Planet Guide to your city or state and explore places you’ve never been before.

Write a letter to yourself and do not open it for a year, or five.

Backpack. Anywhere, just make sure you’re only surviving with what you’re carrying.

Do a research project.

Take a vacation. You deserve it, right?

Share some of your ideas in the comments below!

I found a great new blog written by a student who is doing post-bac pre med requirements. The author’s name is Mel and her writing skills far surpass my own. She has a goal of losing 35 pounds and getting a 35 on the MCAT by the end of the year.

The blog serves as a sort of journal of her progress, and I’m grateful for the effort she puts into it as it is an entertaining read.

Check it out here:

http://35and35.wordpress.com/

Good luck Mel, I hope you achieve you goals and look forward to reading about your adventures along the way.