Going home for the summer is always a great feeling. You no longer have due dates, no last-minute cramming sessions, and no more sleepless nights thanks to your obnoxiously loud hallmates. You finally don't have to fend for yourself when it comes to finding your next meal because your mom or dad will happily fix you anything you want.

Summer is a blissful and relaxing time and what better way to spend it than with some of the people that made your past year so great? So, instead of getting caught up in all the free time that summer has to offer, take a look at this must-do list to ensure that you maximize your sweet summer time.

1. Spend time with your mom.

Remember who put you through that amazing college experience? Or who you called at 1 a.m. during your nervous breakdown? Just because you're suddenly home with all of this free time doesn't mean you should forget how much your mom meant to you while you were away from home. So, take the time this summer to remind her how much you love her and much you still need her.

2. Take time to visit your grandparents.

We all know, deep down, that they won't be here forever. So, don't regret one day not taking the time out of your summer days to simply sit down with them and talk to them. Grandparents are the best and they always make you feel better about yourself, so what better way to spend some of your summer days?

3. Reconnect with your high school friends

Did you guys lose touch over the semesters away? Probably, but that's no reason that you can't catch up and find out how their life is going. Go for one of those drives late one night and confess all the ups and downs that came with college - something neither one of you were expecting. You'll feel so much better afterward and you won't spend the summer feeling lonely away from your college BFFs.

4. Get a J.O.B.

You might not need the money and you might not think you have the time or the energy but trust me, you do. You'll thank yourself when all your girlfriends go out the first weekend back in your college hometown for that famous bar crawl. Or when you realize that your fridge has reached empty way too soon. Either way, having a little extra cash in your pocket never hurt anybody. Plus, this way, you won't get tired of your family as quickly.

5. Spend an entire day with your brother/sister

Remember when you missed them so much when you were away? Of course, but now that you're back, all they do is get on your nerves. Well, suck it up and take them away for the day. Take them on an adventure and spend time only with them. They'll love this new attention and you'll learn so much about them that you had no idea you had missed over the year away.

6. Help your family

Remember, if it wasn't for them, you wouldn't be where you are today. So, one day of yard work isn't going to kill you. Suck it up and be thankful.

7. Discover your Quiet Time with God

You have all this free time during the summer so what better way to spend it than with the man who made everything that surrounds you? Take time out of your week and just focus on God and the blessings that he has bestowed upon you and your life. Look back at your busy year away at college and acknowledge where God played His hand. Open up to Him and let Him show you the beauty of the quietness summer has to offer.

8. Explore your hometown

You probably think that you know it like the back of your hand and you did, at one point. But you've been away for a while to take the time to see what's changed in the sweet place that you call home.

9. Volunteer

Yeah, we used to do this because it looked good on the college applications that we so busily filled out so why should we still do it? Because you are blessed beyond measures and a great way to spread your blessings is to volunteer and help your local community. Go to the local food bank and help pass out bags of groceries. Or go to the local nursing home and play a game of bingo with a resident or take one of the residents on a nice walk around the grounds.

10. Go back to your high school and thank your teachers

You may not want to go back to high school and I don't blame you. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't go back to thank the teachers who helped you get to where you are today. They donated so much time and effort to make sure you got into your dream college. You'll even feel great while doing it because your teachers will tell you how proud they are of you and who doesn't love that?

11. Better yourself

Regardless of how you do this, it's important to use the time that summer provides to make yourself a better person than you were before. It could be spending more time with God and opening yourself up to him. Or it could be spending more time in your community and giving back to the hometown that built you. Regardless, make sure you leave some time to help your number one fan, yourself.