Making the Most of Your Last Summer at Home: A Pre-College Guide
I held my little Maltese, Vanilla Bean, close and buried my face in her soft fur. “I’ll see you at Thanksgiving, okay? That’s not that long!” She wriggled lightly, confused as to why I hadn’t set her down in the last forty-five minutes.
“Okay, that’s enough torturing the dog,” my dad laughed, patting my shoulder as he guided me to the car. We climbed in and started the drive from Denver to my new home — the University of Southern California.
Leaving home is hard. It’s not just about packing; it’s about realizing every ordinary moment could be a “last” — your final latte at a favorite café, your last walk with your dog, the last hug from your sibling.
Why a Summer Bucket List Matters
I wish I had planned ahead — made a summer bucket list to give meaning to these last moments. A final lunch date with my best friend Josette would have been perfect. Instead, I was halfway across state lines when I remembered I’d never returned her sweater.
Even if it’s personal, a few thoughtful “lasts” can make saying goodbye easier and more memorable.
Ideas for Your Pre-College Bucket List
1. Iced Lattes & Park Walks
Bring your dog along and stroll through your favorite spots — small moments become big memories.
2. Brunch with Mom
Leave phones in the car and savor real conversation.
3. Drive-In Movie Night
Blankets in the trunk, friends piled in, and don’t forget a photo for the memory book.
4. Final Mall Run
Hit the food court one last time — four years of high school calls for soft serve.
5. Farewell Sleepover
Bonus points if you and your best friend get matching PJs for school.
6. Create a Signed Keepsake
Craft something meaningful that everyone can sign — a tangible reminder of home.
7. Packing Party
Coordinate matching luggage or aesthetic bags for photos and fun memories!
A Keepsake That Lasts
My friends and I went to a craft store and grabbed big wooden letters — “H” for Hannah, “C” for Calla. We painted them in our school colors, then had everyone sign with messages. I hung my “H” above my dorm bed, and every time I saw it, I felt connected to home.
Take a Moment to Appreciate Home
There are countless ways to honor your home before moving. The key is to pause, savor the small joys, and celebrate the community that shaped you.
Saying goodbye is hard, but once you arrive at school, new traditions will take hold — Sunday brunches with friends, debriefing the weekend, and slowly, your new place will feel like home. And if you’re missing anything, remember — home is only a few months away.