The summer after senior year can be an exciting time. To work, lay around watching Netflix, or spend it with your BFFs before you go your separate ways. Some might say take a road trip with your friends or go to Europe. But for those who can’t do that or staying close for the summer, here’s a few things to do summer before college.

1. Go somewhere with your family.

You might think this sounds lame, but in a few months you’ll be moving out and you won't see them every day. You’ll miss all the inside jokes you have with them and times they forced you to Friday night dinners or family movies.

2. Go out with older girls during orientation.

They can show you around campus where some of your classes will be (nothing is worse than being lost on the first day, trust me). You can get a feel of it all and learn all of the local hot places. Because after all, you're gonna spend the next four years of your life here.

3. Explore your town and state.

I would say this be a must if you're going out of state. Go to a new restaurant in your city or explore a new state park or museum in your state. It can give you a new appreciation and perspective for where you call home.

4. Hangout with your friends as much as you can.

Of course, we all do this one. Pretty sure I spent all of summer when I was home with my friends before I had to say goodbye. Whether y’all go to your favorite hot spot in town or have a girls night and look back on old Facebook pictures from freshman year, you’ll have a good time.

5. Meet people from your area that are going to the same college as you.

This one helped me a lot. I instantly had a few new friends and new people I could ride home with for breaks or just weekend trips. No matter if you're going in or out of state, it’s always nice to know someone new that’s from the same place as you. Sometimes you just need someone to rant to about how you miss home.

6. Meet your roommate.

Not gonna lie, it can be awkward meeting your roommate on move in day. Move-in can be stressful and that can just add to the stress. Maybe visit the school at the same time or take a weekend trip somewhere and meet up there. You’ll be excited about college and it will be less hectic.

7. Get a job.

I know it's summer after high school and all you wanna do is watch Netflix and hang out, but this will help prepare you for college and time management. Most parents stop giving their kids allowance once they reach college so this is an important one. Oh, and trust me, you’ll need it on all nighter's that end up with late night Chinese and pizza orders.

8. Don’t forget to spend time with your pets.

You’ll question if they’ll remember you when you come from for breaks.Ithink this is one that I think people usually forget about (I know I did). The night before I left for move-in was when it hit me that I would be leaving my pets. Go to the dog park with them, play with them. Don't forget to tell them goodbye.

9. Reflect.

This one might require a box of tissues. Go through your old yearbooks, homecoming Spotify playlist, journals, etc. and remember about all the good times you had in high school and who you had it with. You’re closing the page on one chapter in your life and getting ready for another one. You might think its time to grow up right now, but just get ready for the best four years of your life.