Summer at Waterloo looks a little different than the TikToks. There are no long beach vacations, no three-month breaks, and somehow you’re still checking Learn more often than you’d like to admit. Between classes, co-op applications, work shifts, and trying to maintain some resemblance of a social life, it can be easy to let the term fly by without actually enjoying it.

The good news? You do not need a huge budget or a packed itinerary to have a great summer. Some of the best summer experiences are already happening right on campus, often with a student discount attached. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of the season, consider this your WUSA Summer Bucket List!

1. Treat Yourself to Ice Cream Between Classes

Summer and ice cream are basically inseparable. Fortunately, you do not have to leave campus to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Located in the Student Life Centre, Smarty Pants is WUSA’s student-run ice cream spot serving soft serve, milkshakes, parfaits, and other customizable frozen treats. Whether you’re celebrating the end of a midterm, recovering from

a difficult group project, or simply trying to survive a humid Waterloo afternoon, it is one of the easiest ways to add a little joy to your day. Pro tip: Grab your ice cream and head outside with friends. Suddenly that “quick study break” becomes the highlight of your afternoon.

2. Become the Friend Who Always Knows About Discounts

University students have a special talent for spending money while simultaneously trying not to spend money. That is where WUSA Deals comes in. Many students know about student discounts, but fewer realize how many are available through WUSA membership benefits. Current offers include discounts through FlightHub for travel, access to an SPC membership, and even a free New York Times
subscription.

Planning a weekend getaway? Check travel discounts first. Trying to learn how to cook something other than pasta? Use that New York Times subscription to browse recipes. Shopping for back-to-school essentials early? Check your SPC membership before paying full price. Your future self and your bank account will thank you.

You should also follow @savewithwusa to stay up to date on all the latest deals and ways to save!

3. Build Your Own Summer Movie Series

Not every summer activity needs to involve being outdoors. One of Waterloo’s hidden gems is Princess Cinemas, and WUSA makes movie nights even more affordable. Students can purchase discounted Princess Cinema tickets through the Turnkey Desk in the Student Life Centre. There is something refreshing about spending an evening watching an independent film, documentary, or classic movie instead of staring at the same laptop you’ve been using for lectures all day. Create a summer movie challenge. Watch a genre you’ve never tried before. Bring friends. Make it a tradition.

4. Buy Fruits and Vegetables Without Crying at Grocery Store Prices

If you’ve recently purchased groceries, you already know why this made the list. The Fruit and Veggie Market regularly brings affordable produce to the Student Life Centre in partnership with Produce Place from the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. Students can purchase bags of fresh fruits and vegetables at a significantly lower cost than many grocery stores. Even if cooking is not your strongest skill, summer is a great time to experiment. Try making smoothies. Learn one new recipe (hint: you can check out the Global Kitchens cookbook for inspiration). Invite your roommates to cook together. Worst case scenario, you gain an appreciation for people who cook professionally.

5. Find a Thrift Store Treasure

There are two types of people at a thrift sale. The first walks away with exactly what they need. The second somehow leaves with a vintage jacket, a coffee mug shaped like a fish, and absolutely no regrets.

WUSA’s Thrift Sidewalk Sales are a summer staple and offer students the opportunity to browse affordable second-hand items while supporting sustainable shopping practices. Whether you’re searching for clothing, room décor, or something completely unexpected, thrift sales are proof that one person’s donation can become another person’s favourite find. Plus, finding something cool for five dollars feels significantly better than paying full retail price.

6. Explore Waterloo Like You’re a Tourist

Many students spend years in Waterloo without exploring beyond campus. Summer is the perfect time to change that.

A few local favourites include:

• Walking the trails through Waterloo Park
• Visiting the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning
• Renting a bike and exploring the Laurel Trail
• Grabbing coffee and studying on a local patio
• Attending outdoor festivals and community events throughout the region

Sometimes the best way to break out of a routine is to spend an afternoon in a place you’ve never visited before. If you’re looking for a way to get around, consider tuning up your bike at WUSA’s Bike Centre or heading to our Bike Auction on June 24 to find your ride!

7. Plan One Adventure Outside Waterloo

You do not need to travel across the world to create summer memories.
Consider a quick Ontario getaway:

• Toronto for a concert, Blue Jays game, or museum visit
• Niagara-on-the-Lake for a weekend day trip
• Elora Gorge for hiking and tubing
• Grand Bend for a beach day
• Tobermory for some of the clearest water in Ontario

Even a single day trip can make the semester feel less repetitive.

8. Attend a Campus Event

Every term, students say the same thing: “I should really go to more events.” Then suddenly final exams arrive. WUSA hosts events throughout the summer term, from social activities and markets to cultural
celebrations and community-building opportunities. The Student Life Centre is often at the centre of the action, making it easy to stop by between classes and discover something new. The hardest part is usually showing up. After that, the fun tends to take care of itself.

Find all the events at wusa.ca/events!

One Last Thing

University summers can feel strange. You’re balancing responsibilities while trying to enjoy the season before it disappears. You do not need to have a packed schedule, a perfect social life, or elaborate travel plans to make the most of it. Sometimes a great summer is just a collection of small moments: sharing ice cream with friends, finding a bargain at a thrift sale, discovering a new favourite movie, cooking something that actually tastes good, or deciding to attend an event you almost skipped. So before the term gets away from you, cross a few things off this list. September arrives faster than any of us would like to admit.

Milena Fernandes

Communications Copywriter