By the time spring break ends and finals begin to loom, every college student uses summer as a way to cope with the stress. And now that summer has come around, it's easy to feel inundated with the number of plans you made earlier in the year. So while you're managing a schedule that seems to be even busier than the school year, make sure you do these 10 things.

1. Reconnect with family and high school friends

Before rushing into summer jobs, internships and crazy schemes, just give yourself time to sit down and talk to your friends over coffee, cocktails or a nice meal. Focus more on the people than the place: find out how their year at school went and what their summer plans are. And most importantly, enjoy seeing them in the flesh versus through an iPhone screen!

2. Disconnect for a weekend

I know that in the last few weeks of the semester, I spent an inordinate amount of time hunched over my computer hurrying to finish the last few assignments. Don't let that be your fate this summer!

3. Ride around town, windows down, listening to a killer playlist

Although with today's gas prices, these rides will have to be few and far between... sill, enjoy the stereotypically serene cruise around your local haunts as the summer heat blows by!

4. Go to the drive-in

Need I say more? This is a staple of any classic summer. I just hope your drive-in date ends a little more successfully than John Travolta's did in "Grease."

5. Take a boat ride

Be it a kayak, a canoe, a surfboard, a pontoon boat or even a yacht, just get out on the water!

6. Go to the spa

There's nothing better than an impromptu trip to the spa to be pampered and rejuvenated to your heart's content!

7. Prepare your summer reading list

This summer, you don't have to worry at all about reading those pesky textbooks and absurdly long scholarly articles. You get to read whatever you want. Just. For. Fun.

8. Try a new recipe

I like to cook, but dorm kitchenettes full of unidentifiable food particles aren't the place to do it. So, hijack the kitchen while your parents are gone and make a masterpiece!

9. Go to a summer concert (or lots)

Dance the night away without worrying about classes the next day!

10. Get in shape

Maybe you didn't have time to go the rec during the semester, but now's your chance to meet your fitness goals!

Wherever your summer takes you, remember, you deserve a break. Now you just have to give yourself one!