The end of high school brings on an incredible amount of change. Everyone is moving on to college, jobs and countless other prospects. You might not know when you’ll see your old group of high school friends again, so make the most of the time you have. Here are some ways for you and your friends to make the summer before college a summer to remember.
1. Take pictures
You’ll want something to remember each other by (between visits of course), not to mention something to hang on your dorm fridge for a daily pick-me-up. Take lots of photos together. You can never have too many. Print them out for maximum nostalgia value. You can even do cool things with them, like make them into stickers and magnets.
2. Hit up amusement parks
Pick a day to roll over to the closest amusement park and enjoy some rides together. Grab a corndog, hang on the carousel and fly down some rollercoasters. This is great to do with one pal or a large group of friends; just make sure you have an even number so everyone has a riding buddy!
3. Go boating
What says “summer” more than spending a day out on the boat? Most campgrounds let you rent a boat to take out on the lake, and possibly even a tube to pull along behind you. Soak up the sun, get a tan and bask in the summer glory before the season ends.
4. Shop for your dorm rooms together
Even if you’re not going to the same school, shopping for your dorm room supplies can be a blast when accompanied by a friend. You’ll feel like you’re involved in each other’s college lives somehow, even though you’ll be separated. Head to the mall, find your perfect bedding and give opinions on each other’s desired color schemes.
5. Exchange going-away gifts
Get your best friends something for their dorm room or their house. They’ll think of you whenever they see it, and it might remind them to shoot you a text or video chat. Anything from a monogrammed pillow, a framed photo of the two of you, or a new sweatshirt with their school's emblem on it will do! If you’re not in a place to splurge on a pillow or a print for them, DIY gifts would be even more personal and meaningful.
6. Go camping
Camping is one of the ultimate best friend pastimes. Pack up a few cars, find a campground nearby and make sure somebody brings the s’more supplies. Lay under the stars with your best friends, tell stories over the fire and appreciate what you all have before you go your separate ways.
7. Have a sleepover to end all sleepovers
Sleepovers are a typical staple of any friendship, but for your last big shindig, have a sleepover to end all sleepovers. Invite all your friends, make an obscene amount of popcorn and find your favorite movies on Netflix. Stay up all night recounting high school stories and making plans for the future. Some of the most honest and genuine moments of friendship come in the wee hours of the morning as you struggle to stay awake.
8. Have dinner at your favorite place
You know that place you frequented after eighth period? The go-to destination whenever one of you was hungry late at night? Stop back one last time before departing ways, eat your usual meal, and let it sink in how the little things in life, like this one, are the ones that make it all worthwhile.
9. Craft décor for your dorm
Pinterest holds a plethora of crafting ideas for your dorm room — from paintings of your school logo to wine bottle twinkle lamps. This is a perfect way to bond before heading to each of your respective schools. Go shopping at your local craft store, stock up on snacks and have a good ole fashioned craft night.
10. Say goodbye to each other’s families
When you’re best friends with each other, you often become just as close with their parents or siblings. Make sure you say your goodbyes to these folks as well before you head to school. A nice gesture, like baking some cookies or taking over a casserole, will leave a good impression on them and leave them remembering you fondly while waiting for you to come back for a visit.
11. Take a road trip
Depending on your budget, you might be able to road trip to a beach or just to a nearby city. Wherever the destination, the trip there is the real adventure. Stock up on food and make a playlist for the car. Have everybody pitch in for gas and the world is your oyster.
12. Make plans for future visits
Perhaps the most important thing you can do with your best friend before summer ends is to make plans. Make plans to come visit each other during the school year, make plans for what you want to do over Christmas break and even just make plans to have a weekly Skype date with each other amidst the madness of your freshman year. Your old friends can keep you grounded if you put the right amount of effort into it. Don’t let them fall by the wayside.
