Skip to main content

Summer Bucket List

Students enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Chillin' and Grillin' at Tucker/Owen beach as part of Welcome Week. Photo by Marc Hall

As the summer months go on, a great way for parents and students to connect is through a summer bucket list. Regardless of the student’s classification, a bucket list is a great way for students and parents to connect by allowing students to communicate fun ideas and opportunities to parents, while parents simultaneously establish goals and set expectations for the summer. This time can be a unique transition point for both parties, so by setting a time to sit down and create this bucket list can be a nice way to reconnect with one another and establishing further bonds.

Below is a list of ideas and opportunities to get you started on a Summer Bucket List!

  1. Volunteer together 

NC State offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities through the NC State Alumni Association that are not just for alumni! These opportunities can be enjoyed by all and are mainly focused in the Raleigh area. Outside of this, many food banks and other such associations across the nation are always looking for volunteers!

  1. Pick up a New Hobby 

Picking up a new hobby can not only be a fun and productive way to fill time over the summer and create lasting memories, but can also be a good thing to carry into each academic year. Through their newfound hobby, students can connect with others who have similar interests through the university’s Get Involved page, which showcases all of the clubs and organizations on campus. 

Personally, last summer my mom and I began going to cycling classes together at a local gym! This was a great way to connect with her and allowed us to have a set time to be together each week. I was then able to take my new love for cycling and continue it at Fitness Classes through Wellness and Recreation in Carmichael Gymnasium. 

  1. Read a New Book 

While it sounds mundane, a shared reading experience can be a great way to connect with someone! By reading the same book, parents and students are able to converse about the book while relating to a shared experience. You could even take it a step further by starting a local book club or including those all over the country in a virtual space. Another great resource to support this idea is the Recommended Reading List published by D.H. Hill Jr Library!

No matter how old students are, freshmen or seniors, communicating with parents over the summer is a great way to form a connection and create lasting bonds. Additionally, it can also be a great way to set up for a successful transition come August and the return of the academic year.

We hope you can create and enjoy a bucket list full of activities this summer!

Parent Ally

Abby