At long last, school is coming to a close, and the freedom of summer is just in sight. Maybe you have a set plan in mind for the summer. Or maybe you're just leaving it open to endless possibilities. Whatever the case, here are 10 ways to make this summer fun, productive, and memorable.

1. If you make a goals checklist, don't make it too long.

There are benefits to making a list of summer goals. The problem is, it can be easy to get carried away and make your checklist overwhelmingly long. If you're the type of person who brainstorms best by writing ideas on paper, then by all means, jot down a few ideas. However, keep your goals limited and reachable. You can always add to your list later as the summer goes on.

2. Spend more time outdoors.

Take advantage of the beautiful warm weather! Don't waste it by staying inside playing video games and watching Netflix all the time. Being outdoors can improve your mood -- and your physical health.

3. Travel somewhere new.

Summer often means free time. You have much fewer responsibilities than you did during the college term, so take that time and go somewhere you've always wanted to. Traveling can alter how you view and relate to the world. It also helps you to put yourself into perspective. You realize everything doesn't revolve around you, and the world is so much bigger and more fascinating than you thought.

4. Make some money and save it.

Work hard, play hard. The summer is a great time to put in hours of work and start saving for that big purchase you have in mind for the future. It might be a car, an apartment, or an overseas trip. Whatever it is, put some money aside from each paycheck. Don't throw it all away on bikinis and ice cream.

5. Improve yourself physically.

As we start to show more skin in the warmer weather, everyone feels the pressure to look their best. Use this to your own advantage. Start a fitness program that works well for you, and continue to do it once the summer ends. You'll be surprised how putting in the work improves your confidence, mood, and overall health.

6. Try several new things out of your comfort zone.

Try skydiving, or whatever it is that intimidates you. After all, it's by trying new and scary things that we most develop ourselves; besides, overcoming your fears is thrilling! You may even discover a new hobby this way.

7. Read and learn just a little bit.

Just because you're not in class doesn't mean you can't be learning. Read a few books this summer. Maybe there's a topic you've wanted to research but haven't had the time for. Now is your chance!

8. Develop new friendships.

No matter where you are this summer, friends will probably be part of it in some way. If you're home, you have the chance to reconnect with old friends. But for those of us who are spending the summer among people we don't know well, we have the chance to make new friendships. These friends are valuable, because even though they may only be with you for a short time, you can make memories that will last forever.

9. Chill, but not for too long.

So, many of us have no more classes to go to, no more endless assignments, and lots more sleep. But the novelty of these things can wear off awfully fast. Don't get to the end of the summer and say "wow, that was boring." Better to get some work done than do nothing; that makes the fun times that much more enjoyable.

10. Don't neglect to do the "typical" summer activities.

Tanning on the beach. Jumping into the ocean. Ice cream with friends. Parties by the pool. All of these things may sound like common summer activities. But that doesn't make them any less fun. Mix in the uncommon with the stuff everyone seems to do with their summer. Then, you'll be able to look back and say that the summer of 2016 was truly one to remember.