You asked:

I’m just a few weeks into the summer, and I’m already suffering from school break boredom. Where do I sign up for the excitement plan?

Well, I usually get by working whatever day job and having a few free hours to kill at night. Everything is more fun after a shift of serving pizza to cranky people. But if you’re unable (or unwilling) to score a paid position this summer, try some of these activities to kick boredom to the curb:

Read … for pleasure.
As an English major, I’ve been conditioned to read quickly and efficiently, scanning for symbolism, important facts or subtext. Forget that stuff and pick up a juicy book you’ve been dying to read. It doesn't have to be intellectually stimulating, you don't have to write a paper on it, and you can read at whatever pace you like. Enjoy the lack of deadlines, and you might even learn something by accident.

Try something new.
Use boredom as a motivator to dive into something you've never gotten around to starting, like an exercise program or that art project you have in your head. I'm not particularly artsy (we’re talking not even a straight line without a ruler here), but sometimes I mess with my dad’s paints and see what happens. Make something weird, beautiful, interesting or ugly. It might be fun, and maybe you have a hidden talent.

Find other bored people.
Get together with high school friends and figure out some stuff to do for fun. There are always places to go or things to do -- you just have to look a little harder and use your imagination. You can always hang out in someone's basement and watch cheesy movies and eat popcorn. I won’t deny that I’ve had a few Lord of the Rings trilogy marathons … but they only stave off the boredom for a short period, so read on for some more ideas.

Take a trip.
Go to New York City to visit your friend with the cool internship or head south to see Grandma.

Learn to cook.
Invite your friends over to taste-test all the new dishes you create. Find recipes online and fire up the grill!

Pick up a local newspaper (yes, print!).
Scour it for free outdoor music and ethnic festivals in your area.

Start a blog.
Got something to say? If people will sit at a computer for hours taking in the schadenfreude at FmyLife.com, they’ll read anything.

Volunteer to work for free.
Try your local library or art museum (it’s air-conditioned!) or somewhere outdoors, like a rec council or area zoo. Hey, anything to beef up your skinny resume.

Write crappy poetry.
Then submit it to your school’s literary magazine next semester and see how long it takes them to figure out it was a joke. Bonus points if you get published. (Totally got word magnet poetry published in high school. Judge if you must.)

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

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