It's summer! Time to stay up late and sleep late because there's no schedule to follow for the next couple months! There's so much time to relax and do what you want; although, with all this time on your hands, you may find yourself to be bored often. Here are a few ideas for how to stay productive and busy, so you have a great summer to talk about.

Summer is the time to go on vacation and live it up, but not every person has the budget to do that. Just because you aren't sun bathing on the coast of Italy, does not mean you still can't travel this summer. I suggest going on a fun road trip with some friends. At school in Tucson, we love to drive to Phoenix, Sedona, and California just to get away. Being in the same place for too long can make one bored and even depressed. Traveling somewhere different can be refreshing and exciting to explore what else is out there. I am from Georgia, so in the summer I like to road trip to the mountains and go hiking. The green Appalachian Mountains are so enticing and different from the Rockies. In addition, I love going to the lake to water ski and swim, as well as, driving down to Florida for the beach. I am so grateful that I am able to explore such different environments and terrains on both sides of the country.

If you aren't able to go on vacation, do something about it. Don't just live vicariously through your friends' social medias and feel bad for yourself. My advice is to get a job this summer and stay busy. Save up your money so you are able to invest in what you want. For me, I love going to concerts and music festivals so it is evident that I need to save up my money. It's time to plan ahead and start acting like a responsible adult. Don't expect your parents to pay for everything anymore now that you're in college. If you want to go to Cabo for spring break, start saving up!

It is apparent that change can be hard, but once you make something a habit it becomes a part of your daily routine. Use your free time this summer to better yourself before you start a new semester in August. Healthy habits may include drinking more water, working out at least three times a week, starting a new hobby, etc. This can also include new skills you want to learn like playing a new instrument, becoming a better reader by finishing a new book every month, learning how to parallel park better, etc. Practicing skills can only help you get better at them, and they will ensure your overall well being. Go outside and draw or paint what you see, just be creative. Learn a new recipe, start playing a new sport, try doing yoga - anything to express yourself.

Set a reasonable goal that you want to reach by the end of summer. It can be anywhere from losing five pounds to learning a new language. Being productive all summer to achieving a goal by August will put you on the right path to a successful semester. Feel free to do it alone or with a friend in which you can motivate each other to achieve your goals. Try to do more things that make you forget to check your phone; therefore, you shouldn't wonder what everyone else is doing if you're having a good time yourself.