Summer has always been a time where school is out, and you finally get to have your fun and freedom. That is until you graduate high school and now have to work full time. But don't count out all of the fun yet, there are numerous day trips and vacations that you can take with your friends and family. This summer, my friends and I decided to continue a new tradition of taking the first week of June to all come together and go to the beach. After graduating high school many people fall out of touch with the people they spent the better half of four years with. So, my friends and I decided to make an effort to get together for one week and get everyone back together again. Believe me when I say that It isn't easy, living with 17 people in a house and being with each other nonstop for seven days, but the memories we make here will last a lifetime, our bonds will grow stronger, and we have grown closer from it. There are a three important things to keep in mind when you go on vacation with your friends:

1. Be mindful of others

There is absolutely nothing worse than sleeping in a room with 5 other people and being woken up to someone on the phone at 2 A.M. So, be aware and respectful and take it outside.

2. Clean up after yourself

This may be the most important point on this list, it is CRUCIAL to clean up the messes that you make. No one wants to do all the dishes so alleviate that potential argument and just wash your bowl instead of leaving it for someone else. Also, the places you all share shouldn't be ignored, be a kind housemate and do your best to keep them clean. These places would include, the kitchen, bathrooms, living room, and hallways.

3. Do not use other people's things

If it isn't yours, don't touch it. Unless it is something that you know for a fact is free to use, then don't. Not only will this start conflict, but it is simply rude.

Now, these three things are not an end all to all the conflicts that may arise, but it is helpful just to keep these things in the back of your mind while going away with your friends. I highly recommend going on a friend vacation at least once in the summer, it is a lot of fun and you will not regret it.

Good luck and happy vacationing!