A Teen’s Guide to Keeping Busy in the Summer

If you're between 10 and 19, this article is the perfect fit to help you make the most of your summer!

Hey there! I’m Apeksha, a grade 10 pass-out, and today, I’ll be your guide through this ultimate summer listicle.

I hope your final exams went well! Now that you’re waiting for your results, wondering if you ended the exams or the exams ended you?— welp, no matter how that turns out, let's not waste time! It’s time to unlock the summer when you turn pretty (or handsome, smart, confident—whatever you want to be this season!).

1) GO OUT. Touch Some Grass.

Before we get into the productive stuff, let’s start with something simple: step outside.

• Go for a walk.

  
  

• Make random stranger friends.

  
  

• Help an elderly person cross the road.

  
  

• Give your mom a hand with grocery shopping.

  
  

• Try something new—maybe street photography or a sport?

You’d be surprised at how refreshing it feels to break out of your routine.

2) Research Something Cool (Because, Why Not?)

Let's be honest, the brain rotting education system has drained us all. Now that you’re out of it ( for some time atleast ), let's learn for fun. Pick a topic that actually excites you and deep-dive into it. Whether you want to gain random knowledge or flex your intelligence in conversations, research can be fun. Here are some cool ideas to get started:

• How does GPS work?

• What was life like for a gladiator?

• What do historians know about ninjas?

• The lives of famous classical composers

• The invention of clothing and the earliest fashion trends

• The history and whereabouts of mathematics

Trust me, learning can be fun when YOU choose the topic!

3) Read (Yes, the Thing You Avoided All Year)

Look, I know textbooks have ruined reading for most of us. But when you pick what you like, reading can be a game-changer. Try:

• Autobiographies of people you admire

• Research papers (if you're that nerdy)

• Newspapers to stay informed

• Classic literature to boost your vocabulary

• Fiction that takes you to another world

If you don’t know where to start, just ask a friend for recommendations or pick up a book that sparks your curiosity.

4) Apply for Summer Programs & Internships

Now that you’ve explored new ideas, why not turn that interest into an opportunity? Applying for summer programs or internships can:

• Boost your resume

• Help you make amazing like-minded friends

• Give you hands-on experience in something you love

Some great programs to check out:

• Ashoka University’s Young Scholars Program & Lodha Genius Program

• Young Technology Scholars at Plaksha University

  
  

• Via News Didi's Media-Makers Fellowship!

• Yale Young Global Scholars

• Oxford Summer School

There are so many cool opportunities out there—you just have to look! (And apply)

5) Become That Ambitious Student (LinkedIn & Personal Branding)

Want to stand out from the crowd? Build your personal brand this summer.

Open a LinkedIn account. Share your story and achievements. Connect with people who inspire you. Start a blog or write about topics you’re passionate about.

This isn’t just for professionals—it’s for anyone who wants to network and grow. Plus, you’ll meet some awesome people along the way!

6) Get Involved in Social Work

If you love helping people, consider volunteering! Join an NGO, raise funds for a cause, or teach at an after-school program. Giving back to the community not only makes an impact but also feels incredibly fulfilling.

• Teach kids in an after-school program.

• Help an NGO raise funds.

• Spread awareness about a cause you believe in.

Giving back teaches empathy, responsibility, and leadership—all things that make you a better human being.

7) Or Just Chill and Binge-Watch!

Not everyone wants to be productive all summer, and that’s totally okay. If you’re a "chill and vibe" person, take this time to binge-watch your favorite shows guilt-free.

Comfort movie? Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara/ Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani 

Sitcom? F.R.I.E.N.D.S. / Harry Potter/ Gilmore Girls

K-drama? True Beauty/ All Of Us Are Dead/ Itaewon Class

No shame in taking a break! Just make sure you balance it with other activities so you don’t end up regretting wasting the whole summer.

8) Reflect & Practice Gratitude

What is a human if not a blood and flesh filled with a mess of emotions?

Instead of ignoring them, take some time to understand how you feel and why.

• Journal your thoughts.

• Meditate or just sit in silence for a few minutes.

• Practice gratitude—write down three things you’re grateful for every day.

It’s not about having life figured out. It’s about becoming more aware of yourself so you can grow into the person you want to be.

9) Most Importantly: LIVE.

In the midst of all this, don’t forget to actually enjoy your summer. Take risks. Try new things. Make memories that you’ll look back on and smile.

Let no regrets slip through. This is your summer—make it count.

I wish you the best of luck—may this be the summer you turn pretty (or handsome, smart, confident—whatever you want to be this season!).

Signing off!

Apeksha Jadhav