Whether you're working, taking class, or finally letting yourself have a break, these next three months are what every college student across the nation has been waiting for. The long hours of studying have finally given way to long hours in the sun, but the question is: what will you choose to do? I hate to break it to you, but the 3 summer breaks between your college years are all you get to do pretty much whatever you want, before the real world hits (scary, I know). If you're anything like me, you have high expectations for your time away from stress, due dates, and those dreaded 8am classes. So here are five ways to create a memorable summer:

1. Take a Roadtrip (without an itinerary)

Let's be honest, some of our best memories are made from spontaneous decisions. Take a road trip with some of your favorite people to a place you've never been before (bonus points if you end up in Northern Michigan). Like any good road trip, sing to your favorite music way too loud, bring your favorite snacks, and always stop for ice cream. Most importantly, resist the urge to control everything. Don't call ahead of time, don't reserve a campsite, and take the road trip for what is: an adventure. You might find amazing places you hadn't even known existed.

2. Have an Old-Fashioned Picnic. (floppy hat optional)

Let yourself be a kid again and have a picnic outside. While this could also double as a cute date idea, I'm a strong advocate for enjoying summer with your best friends. Find a basket and load it up with fresh fruit, sandwiches, and home-made cookies. Make lemonade or iced coffee (who needs Starbucks, am I right?). Once again, don't forget your best friend--picnics are happier when shared with someone you love.

3. Read Widely & Write Often

"People laugh at me because I use big words. But if you have big ideas, you have to use big words to express them, haven't you?" -Anne with an "e"

Carpe Librum: "seize the book". Novels, biographies, blogs, inspirational books, the list is endless. Whatever you're interested in, learn more about it. There is no better time than summer to soak in the words of a gifted writer and be a writer yourself. Write down your favorite memories to remember later, and make a habit of it. Writing is the perfect way to process your emotions and give your mind a break from holding in all those thoughts, and its even better by the beach or in the sun!

4. Have a Paint War (like the color run...but without the running...)

Your traditional water balloon fight, but with a twist. Fill water balloons with watered down paint, wear white t-shirts, and have a paint war. Or, make homemade color powder by mixing together flour, a little bit of water, and food coloring. A paint war is the perfect excuse to act like a kid again and get messy. If you're a fan of the paint theme, browse Pinterest for other fun paint ideas (i.e. paint twister).

5. Make Homemade Ice-Cream

My sister and her husband made homemade ice-cream together on their first date, so I mean you most likely could find that special someone and fall in love by doing this...(no promises). While there's numerous ways to make this tasty treat at home, my personal favorite is by putting ingredients into a small plastic bag (basic vanilla ice cream=heavy cream, milk, sugar & vanilla) and shaking it until kingdom come...or until it turns into ice cream. Creativity is encouraged: add strawberries or chocolate syrup to mix up the flavor. Ice-cream is a classic on a hot day, so have fun with friends and family and make it at home!

Whether you manage to accomplish one of these ideas or tackle all of them, remember that the number one rule for creating a memorable summer is to share it with the people you love.