With the spring semester coming to an end and everyone racing to move out of their dorms after struggling to ace those finals, summer welcomes us to months of sunshine and rain. I mean, we are in Florida, what did you expect? Summer is not only my favorite season, but it is also that time of year when I can unwind and prepare for more struggles that come my way. Trying to get into nursing school, I have to take a microbiology class over the summer, but I can fit some fun time here and there, give myself a break, a mini “staycation” maybe. I can definitely catch up on my shows that I have missed and start binge watching new ones like Thirteen Reasons Why. The things on my summer to-do list are endless and yours can be, too! Here are a few ways you can kick off your summer right:

1. Visit theme parks

If you have an annual or seasonal pass to Disney World, Universal, Busch Gardens, or SeaWorld, then go the make the most of what you paid for. Just do not forget to empty those pockets before you go on those intense rides. I know the lockers can be quite irksome, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Also, take snapshots of those moments, whether you are going with your friends or family. Get autographs from your favorite characters like Queen Elsa, Princess Anna or Moana. Grab an ice cream cone or some churros to satiate that appetite of yours.

2. Go on a road trip

Make sure you plan this one out thoroughly. Are you getting there by car or by plane? How much gas money do you need? Will there be enough time to take a rest or will you be switching drivers? If you are heading up north or out west like in the Grand Canyons, make sure that you have packed everything. Have a road map or GPS ready, going on the safest, quickest route. While there may be traffic, just put on some music and have a carpool karaoke.

3. Make new friends

If you decide to take classes or join clubs in the summer, what better way to kick off your summer right than make new friends. Chances are that he or she might have the same interests as you. You can definitely establish study groups and do community service together. Just make sure you straighten out your priorities first.

4. Attend a concert or music festival

This is one of my favorites. I personally would love to go to Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, but it is in California. I guess I will have to find local ones like here in Orlando or Miami. Sport that summer look, glasses and hats on, telling everyone, “Listen, I’m ready to rave!” However, stay safe and do not lose yourself trying to make yourself look cool by doing things you know you are not supposed to be doing.

5. See a play or musical

I have always been a theatre aficionado. I believe everyone should at least see one play or musical this summer. It does not have to be on a large scale like Broadway, but something that catches your attention and makes you want to sing along and dance. The musical West Side Story, for instance, still hits me in the core, as Tony and Maria dance together, enjoying their moment, but things do not turn out well for these two lovebirds.

6. Go out on a date

Do not miss an opportunity to mingle with other singles given that you have a stable career path and have plenty of time on your hands. Do not be afraid of commitment. Give yourself a little pep talk and to boost your confidence, remind yourself that you are perfectly imperfect and if you get rejected, it is not the end of the world.

7. Read and refresh your memory

Read classics and books that have been adapted into shows or movies. The more you read, the better you develop those critical thinking skills. Read at least one novel this summer. It can be anything from Nicholas Sparks to Stephen King. Take the time to binge read even those series that has everyone talking.

8. Reflect and meditate

Do yoga and find your inner peace. It can be in the comfort of your home or at the gym. Have a group exercise session to make it even more fun. Reward yourself with a healthy smoothie and you are on your way to a fun-filled summer. Remember, it is not about how much you do over the summer but rather how much you have enjoyed doing those activities.