With the spring semester coming to an end, there is one only thought on every student's mind: summer. Many college students will find themselves working a part-time job or having an internship, but the times when you aren't working can be a great opportunity to better yourself and prepare for the upcoming fall semester.

Here are 6 ways you can do that:

1. Find healthy meals you like.

During the school year, we often want to eat healthily but think we don't have the time or don't even know where to begin. Take the time over the summer to find healthy things you enjoy eating, and practice cooking before you come back to school. This is especially great if you'll be living in an apartment for the first time and have never cooked for yourself before!

2. Read for pleasure.

With all of the required reading that comes with college classes, the thought of wanting to read for fun is usually not very appealing while away at school. However, the summer presents itself with ample opportunity to read that book you've been hearing so much about. Plus, reading by the beach or the pool is very relaxing and the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.

3. Clean everything.

Coming home from school, your bedroom or house may seem like a disaster with clutter everywhere. You also probably have clothes or other items that sat at home the entire year, which is probably a sign that you should give them away. Taking the time to deep clean everything and reorganize can be very refreshing and just what you need to start the summer on a good note. Clearing out your room of things you don't need will also save time down the road when you are packing to go back to school!

4. Redo your room.

While most of us may barely spend any time in our home bedrooms anymore besides on breaks, it can still be fun to change it up and make it more "you." You may have old posters from high school still on your walls or other things you never use just sitting around. Even if all you do is add some new wall art or a fresh coat of paint, redoing your room can be a fun project and just the change you need.

5. Reach out to old friends.

I'm sure we all have people we went to high school with or other friends back home that we haven't seen in several months, maybe even years. If you miss talking to someone or want to rekindle a friendship, summer is a great chance to try and do so. Even just sitting down for coffee with someone you haven't seen in awhile can be a fun summer activity.

6. Get into a workout routine.

If you found yourself struggling to get to the gym regularly or didn't really know what you were doing when you got there, summer is the perfect chance to brush up on all things fitness. By establishing a regular routine now, once you go back to school it will seem like second nature and just a part of your normal day-to-day activities. If you can stick to your plan all summer, the more likely it is to work in the fall as well.

Summer is an opportunity to relax, but it's also a great time to slowly prepare yourself for the upcoming school year. While this may seem daunting at first, these small changes can make you feel refreshed and ready to go, come mid-August. That being said, make sure to take plenty of time to relax and destress this summer, as well.