For those leaving for college, you know the excitement that builds up the summer before you leave. It's stomach flipping, hands sweating, smiles from ear to ear type of feeling. You're ready to get away and start your next adventure on your own.

Whether you are moving an hour away or an entire state away, those butterflies still dance around inside.

I was ready to leave for college at the beginning of the year. I finished high school a few months before everyone else which made my excitement even harder to contain. I was moving eight hours away in just a few months!

I focused all of my time and energy on what my life would be like up north.

Would I end up living up there full-time? How fast will I make friends? Am I going to officially become a Yooper?

But you see, I forgot to realize the importance of my time being spent with those who I wouldn't see, because the only other person I knew coming with me was my roommate.

Before you leave for college, no matter how far away you go, here are five things you have to do before leaving.

1. Spend time with family

I know it's almost silly to say, but trust me, get in those last minute dinner plans with grandparents, movie nights with parents, even getting food with your sibling who you might not get along with that well. When you move away and aren't able to see them as much as you are used to, you start to realize all the times you missed out on seeing them. Make every day count.

2. Try something new

Whether that be a new place to eat or going somewhere that you never thought you'd go- do it! My town isn't the greatest by any means but I surprisingly regret not checking out this cool Ramen shop downtown. No matter how crappy or 'boring' your town may be, there is bound to be a hidden treasure just screaming for you to check it out.

3. Go to your favorite restaurant

My favorite restaurant was about twenty minutes away from me. It was this really good Mexican restaurant with these extremely buttery tortilla shells. It would seem like an almost brawl with my family to get the first one, since the first one seemed to always be the best. Unless your favorite restaurant is a chain food place, you might not get the chance to eat there for a few months.

4. Stay in for a few nights

I know it's always exciting to have the freedom of being a new graduate of high school headings towards college, but you're going to miss your bed. Most of the time, college beds aren't the comfiest and if you have a great mattress at home...well, enjoy it while you can.

5. Make some memories

Go swimming with your best friend, pull an all-nighter with your sibling, just do SOMETHING. You might not realize it while you're there but you are going to miss some aspect of your home life. For me, I regretted a lot of missed opportunities- have fun and be stupid, you are only young once.