It's now one of the most wonderful and best times of the year, SPRING. It's that time again when the days start to last longer and the sun is shining oh so bright. The flowers are finally blooming and there's a slight breeze blowing through the trees. After dealing with a long, cold and grueling winter, we're all ready for a change in scenery. Here are some ways to take advantage of this beautiful weather instead of staying cooped up in a dorm room all day.

1. Buy a hammock and find two trees to hang it on

This is the best way to be lazy when you want to just lay around and do nothing all day. Instead of doing it in a dark and stuffy room, take your pillow outside and get some vitamin C while you're at it. It's the most relaxing way to nap, do your homework, read a book, and so much more.

2. Find a table or bench outside to do your homework

One of the best ways to focus and get things done is to put yourself in an encouraging environment. What better way to spend your day than outside where the sun is shining and the birds are chirping. Don't let yourself be closed in by the walls of the library, take your studies outside for a less stressful experience.

3. Go for a run outside instead of at the gym

Although the gym is great for lifting weights and utilizing machines, don't waste your time running in place on the treadmill or in circles on the track. If it's 65 to 70 degrees outside, go for a run on your school's bike path or just around campus. You'll feel better and be less likely to quit when you have the cool spring breeze blowing on your face.

4. Go on a bike ride

Whether you have your own or need to borrow a friend's, a bike ride is the perfect way to relieve stress. With the wind blowing through your hair and your legs pedaling away, you'll forget all the worries of the week. Ride it to the grocery store uptown or on a local bike path at a park. Some campuses even have bikes you can rent to get from one location to another.

5. Play a round of golf

Whether you've been playing all your life or have never picked up a club before, golf is a fun way to spend time outside with your friends. Go to a local course for a cheap round, get a cart, and spend a few hours whacking a ball around. It's a great way to relieve stress and laugh at yourself a bit. Don't worry about how you play, just go out there and forget about school for a little while.

6. Read a book

I know it sounds crazy, reading a book that isn't required for a class. But trust me, there's something special about turning the pages of a novel you just can't put down. Books are a great way to escape reality when all we seem to deal with in college is stress and worry. Take some time to yourself and find a few good books to read this spring. You might learn a few more things about yourself and the world around you.

7. Go hiking

Every campus has hidden nooks in the forests around them. Take a day over the weekend and go exploring through the woods. You might find an amazing view that you didn't know existed or some deep, dark caves. A hike is a great way to not only get a little exercise but also go on an adventure and make memories with friends. You never know what you're going to find or where the path will take you.

8. Go on a road trip

Go on an outdoor adventure and see where the day takes you. Take a road trip to a local park and find some swings to swing on or a path to hike up. Maybe rent a kayak and take it up a small river, or take your bikes and do some off-roading. If the sun's out, the amount of things you can do and places you can go are endless.