As days grow longer and warmer, it’s time for us all to start thinking about how we will make the most of summer 2020.

We don’t know yet exactly how daily life will remain restricted, like will Danish borders remain closed? And will restrictions lift to the extent that we can gather 50+ people for smallish events and concerts? In the face of all this uncertainty, there are still, so far, loads of exciting and memory-making things we students can do to enjoy the warm weather.

1. Go camping

Camping is a classic for a lot of reasons. It is cheap, outdoors, and refreshingly free from the crowds of cities. Camping is also ideally enjoyed in the small to medium sized groups that will be allowed in Denmark this summer. And from the sounds of it, camping this summer will look pretty normal. An employee with DK-CAMP explained over the phone that while indoor and outdoor playgrounds, waterparks and arcades will be closed through the summer, camping grounds will be operating at full capacity and toilets and kitchens will be open for communal use. DK-CAMP has actually compiled coronavirus relevant info in this article (in Danish) if you want to find out more.

So grab yourself, a couple friends or family members, and set out to take up temporary residence in some of Denmark’s beautiful, windy, mostly sea-level nature. For info on where to camp and how to book a spot start here.

2. Take a bike trip

Biking is an amazing way to explore the beautiful rolling nature of Denmark. To get some ideas of all the pretty places you could go on two wheels, take a look here, here, here, and here.

The elderly population …  has been especially hit by the COVID-19 virus and by the resulting restrictions. … Get involved with this segment of the population and bring some joy and energy to their day, and yours!

So pack a picnic and set out for an afternoon or take things to the next level and plan a multi-day bike trip along one of Denmark’s national cycle routes! For info on specific routes check here, here and here.

3. Volunteer with some grandmas and grandpas

The elderly population in Denmark has been especially hit by the COVID-19 virus and by the resulting restrictions. As things begin to open up a little there is now definitely an opportunity to get involved with this segment of the population and bring some joy and energy to their day, and yours! Whether you want to just sit and chat, play your guitar, read a story, teach a class, or present some research you’re doing, giving your time to some grandmas and grandpas is a wonderful way to give back to society. Check out one of the many organizations that coordinate volunteering with elderly people across the country, like Ældresagen or Røde Kors. Ældresagen has also helpfully provided some guidelines as to how volunteers can continue to work with this at-risk group in a safe way, so take a look at them, [in Danish] here.

4. Start your urban garden

Maybe it’s already become a COVID-19 cliché… but gardening really is a rewarding and exciting endeavour to undertake for this summer if you know you’re going to be closer to home more than usual. You don’t need much real estate to get started, so just find yourself some nutritious dirt and some seeds, get your watering can ready and wait and watch your plants come to life! For info on urban gardening check out TagTomat and UrbanGardening.DK.

5. Build that something

Now is your moment! Shelf, bird feeder, wine rack, elaborate coat hanger, kitchen stool, etc. Building stuff can be deeply satisfying, frustrating, empowering and hilarious (depending on the appearance of the final outcome). Knowing every time you look at that thing in your house that you made it, is a good feeling.

Maybe one thing we are all learning at this time is the value of simplicity and routine.

If you’re not usually too handy then let youtube and its benevolent experts help you, or of course enlist the advice and help of any handy friends and family. If you’re lacking the right tools then again, ask around or take a look on DBA for some affordable, quality, second-hand versions. When it comes to materials, take a dive in your courtyard junk corner first – they often have incredible not-so-hidden treasures. If you are still in need of materials, take a look on DBA, in the myriad lovely second-hand shops in Copenhagen, or of course at your local hardware store.

6. Create rituals with your favourite people

Maybe one thing we are all learning at this time is the value of simplicity and routine. Doing less actually just feels really nice. So here is an idea that combines the joy of simplicity and routine: Plan a weekly, bi-monthly or monthly routine with some of your nearest and dearests. It could be a potluck dinner, an outdoor movie night, a quiz night, a board game night, or a cocktail evening.

Instead of lamenting the loss of all your planned-and-now-postponed wild and adventure-filled activities for summer 2020, zero in on some small things you have been wanting to do, or wanting to do more of.

Keep it simple and host on a rotating basis, so that most of the time you just have to show up and enjoy. Having these kinds of easy, pre-planned and really lovely get-togethers takes the pressure off of feeling like you have to make new plans all the time, and guarantees that you get to spend quality time with your favourite people.

7. Focus on the small stuff

Maybe this goes without saying, but there is definitely something to be said for using down time to do things that bring you joy. Instead of lamenting the loss of all your planned-and-now-postponed wild and adventure-filled activities for summer 2020, zero in on some small things you have been wanting to do, or wanting to do more of. Think about what makes you feel happy and satisfied and incorporate all these things into your days in a purposeful way. Whether it is early morning solitary walks, tackling a new and time-consuming recipe, sitting outside as the sun goes down, or playing a few hours of your favourite video game, just enjoy it. Taking care of yourself is as much about doing the things you love to do, as it is about acknowledging that you are choosing to do the things you love to do, for you.