Now that summer is finally here and the sunshine state is proving why it is the place to be, it is necessary that a few ground rules are put into place to ensure that this summer will be a time you will never forget. And I know that no one wants rules over summer, but don't you worry, these rules are ones that you are going to want to follow, trust me!

1. GTL every day (gym, tan, laundry).

An essential part of this summer is to make sure that you take time for yourself. Going to the gym on a regular basis, getting your tan on, and maybe not having to worry about doing your laundry are definitely important aspects to achieving a summer for the books. Maybe you can even read a literal book in your spare time!

2. Spend time with the people that matter.

Now that you are home from college, take the time to be with your friends and family. We all know that friends from home are the people that have been through it all with you, even though they haven't been right by your side during the past few years in college. Replenishing friendships and catching up with family is what summer is partially for.

3. Don't "dress to impress."

When stepping anywhere outside of your apartment or dorm in college, most people tend to "dress to impress." For myself and many others, this term can be taken quite literally and can be looked at it in many different ways. Take this break as a time to dress how you want and not worry about what others will think.

4. Experience new things.

Throughout the year, school takes up a huge portion of our time, not allowing us students to experience and try new things. Take that leap of faith (skydive?) and try something out of the box. No matter what it is, go big or go home.

5. Watch the sunrise and sunset.

If you don't mind waking up on the earlier side, set an alarm on your phone and go watch the sunrise somewhere magical (Floridians, I recommend bringing a towel and driving to the beach). No matter where you are, watching the sunrise is a great start to the day. An even better way to end your day is to end it how it started. Watching the sunset is also a magical experience as your day comes to an end. Stay off your phone, maybe listen to some music, or just enjoy the beauty around you.

6. Go on an adventure.

In life, you don't know where you will end up. Take the summer as a time to travel to a new destination that you have been dying to go to. Wherever that place is, I am sure your time there will be nothing but amazing.

7. Eat delicious, but healthy, food.

There is nothing better than eating good, healthy food. An average meal isn't always the best thing to jumpstart your day, especially if you walk away feeling not too great. To prevent this, cooking or going to restaurants that you know will serve nothing but the best is a solid plan of action.

8. Make a summer bucket list.

Writing down a list of things you want to accomplish over the summer is a great way to make sure that you did everything you want for the time being. There is no better feeling than checking off an item on your list, making you feel accomplished.

9. Be productive.

Depending on the person, the level of productivity they want to achieve throughout the summer may vary. Getting a job may be a way to be productive and make some extra money to spend on yourself, or taking a class at your local community college or school can get you ahead. Whatever you decide is best for yourself, do it.

10. Volunteer.

Pick a local organization that interests you and volunteer a few hours a week. Doing this will make your summer not only a time for yourself but a time to give back to your community that is in need of a helping hand.

11. Cherish each day.

Every second, minute, hour, and day is time that you will never be able to get back. Take each day as a day to learn, grow, and be your own individual. Don't take these next three months for granted, because before you know it, you are going to be wishing you had it back.

12. Be spontaneous.

Try your best to not stick to a schedule each day. Take summer as a time to be spontaneous and do things that you would never think of doing at a certain time of day or just in general. This will allow you to make your days fun and not repetitive.

13. Disconnect from the online world.

In the world we live in today, it can be difficult for people to detach from their cellular devices or computers. Instead of living on your phone this the summer, take the time to be present in the world around you instead.

Throughout the next three months, take these ideas and make them your own. Be original and do something that you would never in your wildest dreams think of doing. As you do this, think of a way to not forget these memories that made your summer so incredible. Make a video, scrapbook, picture frame, you name it and keep it somewhere safe so that in a few years, you can look back at all the amazing times you've had.