Summer schedules in Rexburg fill up fast. From your job, to summer classes, to trying to make the most of Idaho's ideal summer weather, summer doesn't just fill up, it flies by. Despite this, it's too easy to reach the beginning of fall and realize that your perfect college summer bucket list is only half crossed off. But it doesn't have to be that way…
In Rexburg, you don't have to choose between a productive summer and having fun; with a little planning, you can stay on top of work and school while making memories with friends.
1. Start Each Week with a Plan
When life gets busy, having a plan makes all the difference. At the beginning of each week, take a few minutes to review your work schedule, class assignments, and upcoming activities.
Instead of trying to squeeze everything into every day, block out time for your priorities:
- Work shifts
- Classes and homework
- Exercise
- Time with friends
- Rest
Seeing your schedule ahead of time can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and make it easier to say yes (or no) to last-minute plans.
2. Take Advantage of Idaho's Long Summer Days
One of the best parts about spending the summer in Rexburg is the extra daylight. Even after work or class, there's still plenty of time to get outside. You don't need an entire weekend to enjoy summer. Sometimes an hour or two is enough to recharge.
Here are a few low-cost, Rexburg-coded, summertime activities:
- Taking an evening walk around campus
- Playing pickleball or sand volleyball with friends
- Hiking R Mountain
- Relaxing in Porter Park
- Grabbing ice cream after work
- Having a picnic with your roommates
3. Protect Your Sleep
When the sun sets past 9 pm, it's tempting to stay up late, but sacrificing sleep can make everything else harder. A consistent sleep schedule is one of the simplest ways to keep your summer balanced.
Getting enough rest helps you:
- Stay focused in class
- Perform better at work
- Have more energy for weekend adventures
- Feel less stressed throughout the week
4. Have Fun Without Spending a Fortune
Being a college student usually means sticking to a budget, but that doesn't mean your summer has to be boring. Some affordable favorites around Rexburg include:
- Hiking nearby trails
- Floating the river with friends
- Visiting Mesa Falls
- Taking a day trip to Yellowstone National Park
- Exploring the St. Anthony Sand Dunes
- Hosting game nights or movie nights at your apartment
- Cooking or baking with your roommates
5. Remember That It's Okay to Say No
Summer can feel like one long list of invitations. Road trips, bonfires, concerts, work shifts, and social events can quickly fill every free moment. But it's okay to turn down extra work shifts when you need a break. It's also okay to skip an event if you need to catch up on school or simply recharge.
Finding balance isn't about doing everything. It's about making time for the things that matter most, and sometimes what matters most isn't the same day-to-day, and that's ok!
6. Stay Organized
Whether you prefer Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Notion, or a paper planner, keeping your schedule organized can reduce stress. Try color-coding different parts of your week:
- Blue for classes
- Green for work
- Yellow for social activities
- Red for important deadlines
When everything is in one place, it's much easier to see where you have room to relax—and where you may need to slow down.
7. Choose a Place That Supports Your Lifestyle
Where you live can make balancing everything a little easier. Having comfortable study spaces, a fitness center, great roommates, and a convenient location near campus helps you spend less time commuting and more time focusing on what actually matters.
At Cedars Housing, students have access to modern amenities and a community that makes it easier to study, stay active, and enjoy college life.
Make This Summer One to Remember
Summer doesn't have to be all work or all play. The best summers usually include a little bit of both.
Work toward your goals, stay on top of your classes, and don't forget to make time for the people and experiences that make college memorable. Whether it's an evening hike, a spontaneous game night, or a weekend adventure with friends, those moments are what turn an ordinary summer into one you'll remember long after graduation.
