The first year of college/university is great; new living arrangements, new classes, and, if you lived away from home, endless freedom. But the most integral thing to surviving first year– staying afloat amidst a whirlwind of change– was the people.

But before you know it, you’ve finished your last exam and are tearfully saying goodbye as you all depart for your hometowns. Armed with happy memories and promises to meet up, you return home.

But then life happens. You start your summer internship, go on vacation with family, or find a part-time job. Before you know it, a month has flown by, and despite all the texts and late-night Skype sessions, you find yourself missing your pals.

The solution? A reunion, with cheap activities for everyone. Here are seven fun ideas for you and your besties:

1. Propose a Beach Day

Going to the beach is always fun, so just pick one that's located somewhere in-between where you all live. You can play volleyball, bask in the sun, swim, surf, scope out hot guys, and maybe even have your own Lol-worthy Very Good Girls moment. The best part? It’s completely free.

2. Go Camping

This may cost money if you choose to go to a campsite, but if one of you has a trailer, cottage, or if you have beaches where you can camp for free this works out well. Say hello to s’mores, bonfires and good times.

3. Fun Fairs/Carnivals

These are always super-cheap, and even smaller cities and towns have them during the summer. So pick one, and spend the day enjoying cotton candy, ice cream, and go-carts.

4. Free Music Festivals

So obviously, festivals like Bonnaroo, Coachella, and Osheaga can be extremely pricey to attend. The tickets alone are hundreds of dollars and if you also have to pay for a hotel, the cost can become astronomical. 

But there's an alternative!

Many towns and cities have music festivals going on during the summer for weeks at a time and often, they're free.

Speaking from personal experience, in my city there are weeklong non-profit festivals ranging from rock acts to folk musicians. Even if you don't know any of the performers, it's a great way to discover new music and bond with your friends.

5. Have a Hiking/Picnic Adventure

Hiking is a great way to get active with your friends, plus it costs next to nothing. After working up an appetite from being outside all day, relax with a picnic packed with cool new recipes.

6. Road Trip!

The cost of this depends on how much you and your crew are willing to rough it. While some people are willing to sleep in the car or stay in cheap motels, others would prefer to spring for pricey hotels.

Personally, I think the best way to do this is by driving to each others' hometowns, picking up your pals along the way. This way you can stay at each others' houses for free, while getting to explore new cities and splitting the cost of gas.

7. Have an Old-Fashioned Slumber Party

Make your own milkshakes and rock your dorky pajamas while you watch '80s movies and rom-coms with your friends. Have breakfast for dinner, and give each other makeovers!

What do you think?

Do you have reunions with your college friends over the summer? Will you be trying any of these activities with your friends? Let us know in the comments below!