Summer is finally here. All students are relived and know the bittersweet feeling of being another year closer to being a real life adult. Some of us are even graduating and know that college wasn’t even the hard part. For those who are still returning to the books in the fall, know that we have these few months to recuperate, and that includes these core ingredients to a good summer.

1. Sleep

Eight a.m. classes and long nights studying take first place over sleep. We simply ignore the rule of eight hours of sleep. Naps are great and all, but there is nothing like going to bed without setting an alarm for the next morning.

2. Work

We are all broke. That isn’t a secret, so we scavenge for jobs while we can. Not all of us can work as much during the school year, so we have to rack up the money while we have the time. Some of us even work two jobs and really save up for the next round of tuition due.

3. Internship

The summer is the best time to do an internship! It is never too soon to get an internship, and they are out there, even if they are tough to find. It is worth taking the time to put something good on your resume.

4. Reconnect with old friends

Everyone is home for the summer, and our college friends live, sadly, far away. Summer is prime time to reconnect with friends from high school and old friends around town. It is so much easier to drive within your own town compared to driving an hour to see college friends. You still have to have a social life!

5. Beach

It has been a long winter, and it is time to pack up the car and lay on the sand for the day with a good book. The best days are spent walking by the ocean and getting some much needed sunshine. But, if you’re like me, don’t forget the SPF 100.

6. Catch up on shows

I know I want to binge watch "Grey’s Anatomy" this summer, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. There is not enough time during the school year to sit around watching TV all the time. No, I’m not going to miss out on the nice weather. I’m just going to take my laptop with me onto my patio or on my towel by the pool and watch a few hours of McDreamy.

7. Party

Whether it is sharing the backyard with a couple dozen people or college grad parties, we are going to party this summer. We worked our butts off this past school year, and we deserve to have some quality time just hanging out with all of our friends.

8. Trips

I know a few of my friends are going out of state or out of the country this summer, and I am jealous, but I have a few day trips of my own lined up, too. It doesn’t matter where you are going this summer, just go have a new experience! You deserve it!

9. Eat good food

Eating on campus is hard. The food is sometimes under-cooked or unhealthy. I can’t tell you how excited I am to simply have home-cooked chicken that isn’t bleeding. (Yes, it has happened before.) I can’t wait to look in the cabinets and have more than ramen as a choice. Also, don’t forget about all the good summer food at barbecues!

10. Relax

No more worrying about papers or grades. Now all we have to worry about is remembering sunscreen when go to enjoy a great hike.