It's that time of year again, people. IT IS (almost) SUMMER. It can be hard to go back home when you've spent the last nine months of your life calling somewhere else home, but it's a nice time to get things you had no time to do during the year accomplished. I love the summer because it's three stress-free months (something I could really use right now). Yes, I'll definitely miss my friends and my life here, but there is also so much to look forward to at home. Here are some things you can do when you're at home missing UConn for the summer.

1. Go to a concert/music festival/arts festival

I LOVE live music. It's super fun and it's so nice to hear a singer live versus through headphones. And the environment at concerts and music festivals is always so great. People are just standing (or sitting if YOU'RE LAME), and genuinely enjoying the music. Everyone seems happy and it's just a refreshing place to be after stressing for nine straight months. Also it's a GREAT way to find new music. Maybe go see a band you don't know that well. A wise person once told me, "the best part of going to a concert is preparing for it." Preparing for it means listening to all this great music that you may not know that well! What better way to spend a summer?

2. Accomplish a goal (that you most likely didn't have time to accomplish)

You know that thing that you've been telling yourself to do all year? You know what I'm talking about, don't lie. Maybe it's finally editing your resume or maybe it's committing to going to the gym everyday. Make it your goal to accomplish something by the end of the summer. Something that you wanted to do, but never found time to during the semester.

3. Go on a cheap vacation with friends

What a better way to occupy yourself than going on vacation with friends? The best part about going on vacation with friends is that you'll have fun wherever you go. You can find awesome rates for things, so it won't completely drain your bank account OR you can even try camping if you're into that.

4. Make money

I'm going to be real for a second here: we are all poor. Don't be ashamed, it's okay. So use your summer to make money, because it's something we all need to do. Personally, I need to make money for the sole purpose of being able to feed myself next year. So suck it up, and go back to that retail job you hate, because it will be worth it.

5. Read a book

Very cliché, I know. But seriously, it's something good to do. Find a good book, and read it. You can read anywhere, which is the fantastic thing! You can read on the beach or in your bed or outside in your yard. Reading a book is a change from the normal gluing your eyes to your computer screen and binge watching a show. Read a book! Save your eyes!

6. Clean out your closet

Okay, I know this one sounds strange, but it's worth it I promise. Summer is a great time to completely purge your wardrobe and get rid of things you honestly don't wear. I love doing this. I think it's fun and it always makes me feel refreshed after I do it. PLUS it's a good way to bond with my mom. So go clean out your closet, put on a little fashion show and really think about if you still want that lace jacket you used to wear all the time in high school.

7. Spend time outside

In my opinion, going outside is really underrated. Go on a hike, go on a walk around your neighborhood, go to a beach, just go outside. Enjoy the warmth and the sun, and take it all in. There's really no better way to de-stress. Trust me. It's refreshing and super relaxing. Maybe make it a daily thing or a weekly thing! You never know what doors it could open.

Whatever you end up doing with your summer, ENJOY IT. Relax and come back refreshed and ready to start your (stressful) school year!