Summer FOMO: When Everyone’s ‘Living Their Best Life’ but Some Students Are Just Home
The Expectation of an Extraordinary Summer
Summer often arrives with the expectation of adventure. For students, the break is widely seen as a well-earned reward, a time to travel, socialize, and enjoy life beyond academic deadlines. Social media reinforces this image, filling screens with scenes from festivals, beaches, and road trips. The message is clear: summer is supposed to be extraordinary.
A Quieter, Less Visible Reality
Yet, for many students, summer looks quite different. Instead of boarding planes or attending concerts, some return to quiet routines at home. Part-time jobs, family responsibilities, or simply the need to rest shape their weeks. Some students use this time to recover from academic stress, while others face financial or logistical reasons that limit their options. The slower pace is common, although rarely celebrated.
The Impact of the Highlight Reel
What adds complexity is the online contrast. Social media tends to show only the highlights. A group photo at a party or a sunset by the sea can create the illusion that everyone is constantly surrounded by friends and fun. For students spending the summer in familiar places without much happening, this contrast can lead to feelings of inadequacy or being left behind.
The Quiet Weight of FOMO
The fear of missing out, often called FOMO, is not about envy in the traditional sense. It is more about the silent question that lingers in the background: should something more be happening right now? For students navigating an already uncertain phase of life, this question can be unsettling.
Unseen but Shared Experiences
Beneath the surface, however, many students share similar experiences. Some international students are unable to travel due to costs or visa limitations. Others may be dealing with personal challenges or mental health concerns that make social activity difficult. Some are simply enjoying the calm after months of deadlines and group work, even if that calm feels out of sync with what they see online.
The Importance of Rest
There is also growing awareness that rest deserves recognition. In student culture, staying busy is often seen as a sign of ambition and purpose. But rest, especially the kind that involves reflection or solitude, is just as important. Summer can be one of the few times when stepping back is possible, even if it goes unnoticed by others.
Connection Can Still Happen
Meaningful connection is still possible during quieter summers. Some students take the opportunity to reconnect with people from earlier phases of life, to begin creative projects, or to explore new interests. Digital platforms like Studinty can also support connection by offering spaces where students engage outside of traditional social settings. Whether preparing for a new academic year or looking to share thoughts with someone going through a similar experience, students can still find moments of belonging.
Different Summers, Equally Valid
Each student’s summer is shaped by different factors. Some thrive in the excitement of travel and constant activity. Others find clarity and comfort in calm environments. Both experiences are valid, and neither one needs to be defended. The idea that summer must be filled with nonstop memories overlooks the real diversity in how students live and grow during this time.
Toward a More Honest Summer Narrative
As the conversation around student life continues to evolve, there is more space for honesty about summer too. Rest is no longer seen as laziness, and slower moments are gaining recognition as part of a balanced life. For many students, a summer spent at home is not a sign of missing out, but a season of quiet value that deserves its own place in the story.
