One of the most exciting times in a student's life is when they graduate high school. The summer following graduation is expected to be full of fun and exciting memories. For the students who start college in the fall, there are a list of things your college needs from you in between making memories. Here is a list of things that should be on every incoming freshman's to-do list.

1. If you haven't already, choose a college to attend

This is probably the most important things to do. If by the end of your senior year, you haven't decided where you want to attend, then that needs to be top priority. Do not wait until half way through the summer to apply, because chances are, you will not be happy with the results. Do research, apply and decide where you will fit best.

2. Scholarships, scholarships, scholarships

By the time summer vacation begins, most scholarships have been awarded (which is why I would recommend doing this at the beginning of your senior year). But there are still legitimate scholarships to apply to, and it can't hurt to apply.

3. Check your university email every day

This may seem a bit obnoxious, but let's be honest. You have this email for a reason, and it can only help to login once a day. This is the best way for your university to contact you, and if you do not check it, you can't reply.

4. Prep yourself

It is definitely time to make the most of your summer. Making memories with friends who are moving and celebrating one of your biggest accomplishments to date tend to take up a lot of your summer time. But in between, find a summer job. Maybe you won't get to wake up at 11 a.m. every day, or stay four nights with a group of friends, but it'll put a little bit of money in your pocket. So the night your friends want to go out to eat, you can actually pay for yourself, instead of catching crap for being broke.

5. Make new friends

When orientation time rolls around, it is a perfect opportunity to find new study pals. Even if you are a introverted person, start a conversation with that girl on your right, or the boy who made a pun relevant to your major. Who knows, maybe they will become your best friend.

6. Take chances

The age of 18 always opens up many doors for any teenager. And while safety should always be present, take these opportunities and run with them. Travel with your family, take that cabin trip with your friends, attend that free concert in the park (even if you have never heard of the band). The last thing you want to do is regret sitting in bed every day. I promise you, the more memories made, the better summer it will be.

7. Do research

While it is very easy to assume that college is very similar to high school, I can promise it is not. As college begins to inch closer and closer, it is obvious. It isn't until you realize that you actually have to pay for books that you miss teachers handing them out. The free education jokes tend to stop when you realize that you are paying a ton of money for an education that is controlled by you. Take the time to read articles about college, or talk to an older friend, cousin or parent that's been through college. The more you know, the better prepared you will be.

8. Take pride in your school

There is something about wearing a shirt with your school colors on it that makes it easy to smile. Missing homecoming week is normal, and throwing your old hoco dress on may cross your mind. But you are attending this college for a reason, so there is no reason to avoid such a fun feeling.

9. Do not wait until the last minute

While this may be the pot calling the kettle black, it is a valid point. You will make your life easier if you take that half hour to do your loan counseling before the day it is due. Your stress levels will stay low, and you will have more time for the things you actually want to do.

10. Find yourself

If I am being honest, this is probably going to take more than three months to achieve. After leaving high school, a feeling of relief comes over you. You have the opportunity to be true to yourself and the things you love doing. Do not sell yourself short by trying to impress someone else. Keep searching for all the quirky things about yourself, and set aside time to enhance your beautiful brain until you know and love yourself.

Summer is easily one of the best times of the year, so why not do your best to make the most out of it by informing yourself, making memories, and staying on top of your responsibilities.