FINALLY! You've just graduated and can check high school off of your list. Now it's sweet, sweet summertime and it's going to be the best one yet. You have three months to live it up before starting school again. But it's not just any school...it's college. Three months stand between you and the next step in your life. Before you take on the exciting adventure that is your freshman year of college, there a couple of things you should take care of this summer...

1. Work your butt off.

College is expensive. Don’t let loans and tuition costs stress you out completely, but getting a summer job can save up enough money to pay things off throughout the school year. Get a job…or even two. You can never get too ahead when it comes to saving up for college. Plus, you’ll thank your checking account later when it’s the middle of January and you still have some money tucked away. Nothing is more exciting to a college student than a positive balance.

2. Spend time with your high school friends.

For any time that you aren’t working, try to spend it with the people who got you trough high school. Most likely, you’ll all be heading your separate ways in a few short months, and those days really do fly by. Each of you will essentially be starting over and making tons of new friends in the fall. Sadly, you’ll probably lose touch with a majority of your high school pals. Make the most of the moments you have together and make this summer one you’ll never forget.

3. Get prepared for college.

College is a completely new environment and takes a bit of preparation time. Make sure you’re registered for all the right classes, pay your deposits, work out dorm packing lists with your roommate, set up your college email, activate your online account, etc. You’ll get countless emails and to-do lists in the mail that give you step by step instructions and help you through the process so don’t worry too much about forgetting something. Just do it all gradually over the summer so you aren’t swamped the day before Orientation.

4. Learn how to "adult."

If you haven’t already mastered the arts of laundry, making appointments, cooking, checking your car's oil, or dealing with bank accounts, now is the time to start. Ask your parents for some help to prepare you in case something comes up and they aren’t around. You’ll be living on your own and while that definitely has its perks, you won’t realize how much your parents take care of until it’s too late.

5. Get to know your new home.

Try to get acquainted with your campus before you get there. Take a summer tour, check out the website, or send a quick email to an admissions counselor with any questions you might have. Also, don’t forget to check on Facebook for the incoming class page. You’ll be able to see all your new classmates and familiarize yourself with a few faces. Chatting people up online is a great way to make friends or find a roommate before stepping foot on campus in the fall!

6. Go shopping!

I’m sure most of us would take any excuse for a trip to the mall, but make sure to write up a list of everything you’ll need at college and keep an eye out for sales throughout the summer to save some money. Most stores do discounts or sales for college students, so be sure to take advantage of that. Remember to purchase all the small essentials such as a nail clipper or package of Band-Aids.

7. Pack efficiently.

Move-in day is pretty hectic. Typically, there’s a very short time frame for first-year students to move in and every new student, their parents, siblings, and many others will all be wandering around campus and trying to fit into the dorm buildings at the same time. You and your roommate will have loads of stuff to fit into a small space and organization can be a nightmare. Remember to pack things efficiently like labeling boxes and keeping clothes on hangers in garbage bags. Also, make sure to pack the car so that the first things you want to unpack are easily accessible. That way, you can bring your belongings into the room and do things like make your bed or put away clothes before bringing in the boxes of decorations to save space.

8. Take a family vacation.

You’ve spent your entire life with your parents and siblings so moving out will be a big change for everyone. You might be thankful to finally get away, but just take a fun family vacay before heading to college. Spend some quality time with your parents and siblings and cherish the fun activities you can still do together.

9. Capture this summer's memories.

Before you know it, this summer and your high school/hometown days will be over. Time will start to fly by faster than you can imagine. Take the time to remember your summer before college whether that’s writing in a journal or taking 10,000 pictures. It’ll be so much fun to look back and reminisce on all the exciting adventures you experienced, but don’t spend too much time preserving the memories, just enjoy the moment and take it all in.

10. Keep an open mind, positive attitude, and get ready to rock your first year!

This summer will be filled with adventures, goodbyes, firsts, lasts, and everything in between. Don’t let drama from high school or fear of a new beginning ruin these 3 months. You’re prepared to take on college and start the rest of your life, just remember to smile and believe in your dreams!