You just graduated from high school and you’re on top of the world. It may feel like the end of an era, and it really is. The sad truth is that you may not see many of the familiar faces from high school again. But before you become nostalgic for simpler times gone by, stay committed to your college goals. You’ll be on campus in a few short months starting an entirely new phase of your life. Enjoy this last summer before college, but keep your goals in sight.

Get a job

If you haven’t worked before, now is the time to suck it up and get a job. Let’s face it: college is expensive! By getting a job over the summer—and saving the money you earn, of course—you’ll be able to buy those school supplies and books once the fall semester begins.

Even if your parents are paying for all of your college expenses or you’re getting a federal grant, you will still need money to pay for food and other items, especially if you’re living on campus. What if you run out of printer ink the night before a paper is due? You’ll have to run down to the campus store and buy some. You obviously can’t do this without some money in the bank.

Another added bonus of having a job over the summer is it will take your mind off of the impending start of college. Many people find themselves stressed out at the change college brings to their lives. Having a job keeps you productive and focused rather than sitting at home worrying.

You may even be able to buy yourself something fun before you bury your nose in books for four months and don’t reappear until December. Regardless of what you do, having a job keeps you disciplined and in top shape for a fast paced environment. You’ll be ready to attend classes like a pro.

Make time for friends

This may be the last summer you have at home. It also may be the last time you see some of your childhood friends. If you grew up in the same place you went to high school, you’ve probably known the same people since you were five years old! It will be sad to say goodbye, but you can make the most of this time by doing fun things with those you care about.

Be sure to collect the contact information of your closest friends. You’ll want to keep in touch once you start college, and it will be too hectic at the beginning of the semester to do such things. Exchange addresses and dorm information BEFORE you leave to move in.

You can also make an extra effort to spend time with those people that will be going to colleges far away from where you will be attending. Do things in your hometown and enjoy the home life as much as possible. In a few short months, you’ll be missing it.

Make time for yourself

Between working and spending time with old friends, be sure to pencil in some quality time for yourself. Once college starts, you’ll be really busy and may be a bit stressed out. Take this time to stay calm, cool and collected. Read a few books you’ve been dying to but haven’t had a chance to. Have a horror movie marathon. Do what makes you most happy and soak up that free time.

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