Going off to college, whether its 10 minutes away or 10 hours away, can be a difficult transition your first year. The summer before you go to school is one you should enjoy to the fullest. You want to enjoy the time you have at home, while also preparing yourself to take this big step in your life.

1. Explore your town

When you live somewhere, it's hard to remember to appreciate what's right in your own backyard. Take a day or even a week to see your hometown with new eyes. Visit your favorite restaurants, walk to your friend's houses, take a bike ride, go to the grocery store. When you move away, you'll miss even the smallest things so take advantage of them while you can.

2. Lay in bed

College life gets busy and stressful. So on a rainy summer day, just stay in bed. Watch your favorite childhood movies, eat your favorite snacks and take the time to relax.

3. Spend time with family

Your family might get on your nerves, but before you know it you'll be away from them and on your own. Spend time with them as often as you can.

4. Reminisce

Get out old yearbooks, projects, photos, whatever you have saved from over the years and take a few hours or even a whole day to remember special times with people and also how these next four years will be full of times you'll look back on in a few years.

5. Go on a road trip

Take a day or even a week to pack up all your best friends in a car and take a road trip together. This is a great way to have a mini-vacation as well as spend quality time together before you all part ways.

6. Get to know your roommate

Make some time to get to know your roommate. Becoming friends before you move in together will make it easier and more fun the first few weeks.

7. Organize

Get your room at home organized so that when you come back for breaks, you have space for your things that you want to bring home as well as know where all your things are at home.

8. Shop

Get prepared. Living on your own means you need a lot of things: cleaning supplies, food, furniture and things you'll never think of until you need it. Do your research on what you'll actually need.

9. Make a change

A new year at a new school is the perfect time to make a change. Maybe you weren't the best student in high school, or you weren't involved, or you just want a new haircut. This is the perfect opportunity to become a better version of yourself.

10. Print photos

Taking pictures with you to school of the people who you're closest to will make your room feel more like home and help you when you're missing home.