Summer is one of the most waited upon times of year. People can't get enough of it. Personally, my favorite season will always be fall but there are a few parts of summer that I couldn't live without.

1. Cookouts

Cookouts create some of the best memories with friends and family. One of my friend's families usually has a cookout for the Fourth of July with all of the neighbors and it's always so much fun! There's nothing like playing corn hole and eating hot dogs cooked on a grill.

2. Swimming

I have always loved swimming and used to beg my mom to take me every day when I was little. While I don't go as often now, there's still nothing quite as refreshing as jumping into the cool water.

3. Spending time with friends and family

After the stress of spring semester and finals there is nothing better than being surrounded by your family and friends. This is one of my favorite parts of summer because you get to spend endless amounts of time with some of the people you love most.

4. Freedom to choose what you want to read

I'm a big reader and being in college has really put a damper on that. I always have some novel or textbook that I have to read instead of getting to choose what I want to read. Summer gives you the freedom to choose whatever book you want to read.

5. Traveling

While I don't usually get to travel a lot, this summer I got to go to Florida with one of my best friends and it was so much fun! I love long road trips and getting to see things you don't normally get to see.

6. Visiting new places in your area

My friends and I have made it a goal to try different things around Indianapolis this year rather than just sticking to what we normally do around home. Creating a list of things to do and places to visit has made the summer so much more fun.

7. No homework

While I did have a class earlier in the summer, it's so nice to be free of the stress of homework and tests now. Finally getting to relax after a hard semester is the greatest gift.

8. Only having to wear sandals and being able to go barefoot

I hate having to wear shoes all the time, so summer is the perfect time for me. I rarely wear shoes around the house and outside and when I have to leave all I have to do is put on a pair sandals which is pretty much the next best thing.

9. You get to see your dog everyday

One thing that always makes me feel better when I'm stressed out is getting to see my dog when I come home and since I'm home all summer, I get to see him every day!

10. Nighttime fires and long talks

Having fires at my friend's house has always been a favorite of mine. All of our friends and sometimes family gather around the fire and make s'mores and just talk for hours.

11. Fresh fruit

Finally, there's really nothing quite as refreshing as a bowl of watermelon or cantaloupe.