The summer before college can be one of the most exciting – and nerve-wracking – times of your life. It may feel like you’ve got a million things to do, or you might be wondering what you should be doing. You’ll find a hundred summer-before-college checklists out there on the Internet, but here are a few great ideas to start.

Prep for your field

Stay fresh by reading books and taking classes that will get you ready for your field of study, suggests Full Sail University Assistant Director of Campus Admissions Brandon Gibbs. “A good way to prepare for college is to research your course curriculum. Identifying key words or phrases within your field of study, and then doing your own research of these is a great way to become more familiar with that particular field.”

If you’re still unsure about what to study, Full Sail’s guide on how to find the right field of study can help.

Pre-summer college programs

For something that requires a bit more commitment, many colleges and universities offer pre-summer college programs, which are sort of like test runs to help students see what life and work on a college campus is like. Check with your college and see if they offer any kind of college-prep or extended orientation programs for new students.

"By maintaining optimum performance, students avoid developing bad habits or falling into a lull,” says Brandon. “This is very important as students who push through the end of school and into the summer will be ramped up and ready to get to work, as opposed to needing to get their engine started back up again.”

Prep for orientation

One of the final steps in preparing for your college career, orientation will provide you with helpful information and resources while giving you a sense of what to expect from your university, its community, your courses, and more. Ensure you’re registered and familiar enough with the campus to be there on time and don’t forget to have a way to take notes.

Make sure to use your time wisely and not to forget the little things. From buying textbooks and supplies, to getting to know your roommates and catching up on laundry, there is a lot of ground to cover.

Have fun!

College is a big-time commitment and investment in your future but don’t let it overwhelm you. Take some time to enjoy the summer sun. Make time to relax and enjoy your summer before college, hang out with family and friends, take a trip to a new city, or hit the beach.