There s a shared notion of what summer looks like for college students. We cruise the interstate and explore exciting cities, we try up and coming restaurants daily, we bring out our inner thrill seeker at amusement parks across the nation and the wild child within us as we go all out on the dance floor at a party each night. We now woke up from the summer day dreams we "chase" and slumped back into reality. We are now over a month into summer and here is where the majority of our mindsets are at.

1. Free at Last!

Days full of freedom and summer joy begin...at work! Perhaps by the time you are done working your 9 to 5 you can have some fun in the sun with friends. Who are you kidding? Your bed sounds more appealing and you can live vicariously through Instagram pictures of their entertaining lives.

2. Friends

Speaking of friends, where did all of them go? You may be experiencing heart ache not seeing your crazy roommate every day, surviving your 3 hour labs with your partner in crime, your sleepy and starving breakfast crew and your late night workout buddy who is likely the reason you are not entirely out of shape!

3. Summer Goals

The summer goals you set took a sharp U turn. You went from thrilling road trips with your best friends to how many episodes of your favorite Netflix shows you can catch up on before you pass out for a siesta.

4. The Summer Body

Another ambition you had was to achieve that summer body. You should have no shame when you have a buffet of food calling your name to answer it. Enjoy those brats, burgers, and 10 different pasta salads because before you know it you are back on campus and limited to dining hall food. So have a slice or two of heaven while you can.

5. Saving Money

To be completely frugal with your money is a tough task to manage. It seems that the more people tell you to save your money over the break, the more attractive a new summer wardrobe and spontaneous, mini vacations with friends sound.

6. Summer Lovin'

Dates to the beach, exploring the city, concerts, shopping, and other adventures are far more intriguing with someone you love. And more power to you if that someone happens to be your dog.

7. How am I going to kick my butt back into gear for the fall semester?

This is a concern we all have because it’s quite a struggle just to roll out of bed every morning. How are we going to balance a full schedule of classes and hours of homework daily?

Nevertheless, enjoy the freedom outside of classes because before you know it you are walking to your 8am class, half asleep, hungry and likely questioning life.

Best of Luck!