You know how when you were a kid it seemed as if on the first day of school you were already counting down the days until it could be summer again? You just wished you could have the life of Phineas and Ferb so you could hang out with your besties all day because it seemed to be summer year-round for those guys.

I'm not sure when things changed, but they sure did. One year it seemed as if summer came out of nowhere because you were no longer counting down. This was probably due to the fact that you were trying to survive finals week and you quite literally didn't have time to be ecstatic about summer.

The summer after you got your driver's license was exciting. You seemed to feel the freedom in the air. You could finally get a job, drive yourself there and then make your own money. You were practically an adult, right?

Then something crazy happened. In the blink of an eye, you were graduating high school and that summer was the last you knew of that you'd be geographically close to your best friends from high school. Everybody was doing nothing but working to save for college. It ended up being completely miserable because you just wanted to start the next chapter of your life but at the same time you were scared to leave the kids you grew up with.

After your first year of college, summer still sucks. You are even more broke than the year before and you haven't talked to your friends back home in months. More than anything, you miss everything about college. You miss your friends who don't live near, you miss the town and you work so much you sometimes wish you were doing schoolwork.

There's no doubt in my mind that the school year is way better than the summertime once you get to college. However, it doesn't have to be all bad.There are many things that can be done to make your summer go by faster and become enjoyable.

1. Catch up with friends from your hometown.

While saying "I miss you, let's hang soon" is fun and all, actually do it. Quit saying you're going to make plans and go catch up. I'm sure you both have hilarious stories from school that the other would enjoy and you'll feel better knowing you have people at home to hang out with.

2. Get an exercise routine going.

Healthy body, healthy mind. Exercise is great during the summer, not because it's bikini season, but because there are so many options on things to do. You can go for a swim, hike or even join a gym for these few months. You'll go back to school looking and feeling better than ever.

3. Keep in touch with your long distance friends.

I'm not saying you have to annoy each other by texting 24/7. I'm just saying a FaceTime with one of your friends who lives in another state is always something that can make you both feel good.

4. Make the most of your city.

Try new places that you've never been before in your hometown. Chances are you won't regret it. Get some friends and go to that museum you've never cared enough to go to. Go to that free petting zoo. I know my town has a couple fairs that I try to go to every year that is always a blast. There are so many things you can do to keep yourself entertained if you keep an open mind.

5. Spend time with your family.

I know after about an hour of being home you were already irritated with your family. However, they love and missed you just as much as you did them while you away so took advantage of the time you have together and do some bonding.

6. Work. Work. Work.

Working long hours may not be fun now while your friends are at the pool, but it'll be totally worth it when you have some extra money when school starts. You know that you'll need it.

7. Go to many concerts.

Concerts are always my favorite part of summer. Artists decide to come to your city's outdoor venues because of the beautiful weather. There is nothing better than being outside with some of your favorite people while listening to a great live performance.

These are just some ideas to stay busy during the summer. This isn't a time to be lazy and mope around because you're getting older and has responsibilities. It may not be like when you were little because you're so busy, but you can have a good time if you make the most of it.

Nobody can control how your summer goes except yourself. You might as well make the best of it because one year, you won't even have a summer break.