It’s summer. You’ve almost made it through finals, your group projects didn’t kill you (barely), and now you’re faced with the most terrifying question of all: “What are you doing this summer?”
Whether you’re heading home, taking classes, or staying in town for an internship, summer is the perfect time to take a moment to check in with yourself. And no genre forces self-reflection quite like the summer slasher.
Yes, really. Beneath the jump scares and fake blood, slasher movies are full of life lessons, especially for college students figuring out how to survive the chaos of being in your 20s. Here are a few reminders that slasher films serve up better than any wellness app.
Don’t Ignore Red Flags
In every slasher film, there’s always that one character who hears a noise in the woods and says, “It’s probably nothing.” Spoiler: It’s never nothing. Whether it’s an eerie campfire story or a door that creaks open on its own, the characters who survive are usually the ones who trust their gut and get out.
In college, the red flags are different but just as deadly. Chronic burnout, passive-aggressive group members or friendships that drain more than support. If your instinct says something’s off, listen. Pretending not to notice a problem doesn’t make it go away; it just gives it time to chase you down.
Know Who’s on Your Team
Slasher movies are full of people who shouldn’t be in the same group chat, let alone the same escape plan. The lesson? Who you surround yourself with matters. The characters who look out for each other, the ones who say, “Wait, don’t go in there alone,” tend to last longer.
College is the same. You’re either spending summer with roommates, coworkers or just old friends from high school, but make sure your circle actually supports your goals. You don’t need people who ditch you when things get scary; you need people who help you make it to the metaphorical credits.
Final Girl
Ever notice how the “final girl” always survives because she kept her head on straight? She didn’t get distracted; she paid attention, and most importantly, she paced herself. Summer breaks are a lot like that, a mix of unexpected turns and chances to reset.
You don’t have to be in hyper-productive mode all summer. By keeping a loose routine, checking in on your goals, and taking care of your mental health, you can start helping yourself feel more in control when life inevitably throws something your way. And no, pulling four all-nighters to “catch up” is not a survival tactic.
Never Split Up
In horror movies, splitting up is a classic mistake. In real life, it depends. Sometimes you need to take space from a roommate, friend groups or even your phone. But the key is intention. Are you isolating out of stress or giving yourself the recharge time you need?
It’s OK to have a summer of solitude, as long as it’s coming from a place of care and not burnout. Check in with yourself often. If you’re pulling away from everything and everyone, you might not be hiding from a masked killer but you could be hiding from something else.
So, what’s your survival plan? Let @VALLEYmag know on X!
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