When I told my parents that I wanted to live in Starkville for the first part of the summer and take a Maymester class, their initial reaction was shock. I had been almost dying to come home after the first semester, and now I wanted to stay in my little college town longer than necessary. They thought I was crazy, but after a few weeks of living here, I don't regret my decision one bit and here's why:

1. It is way more laid back

Starkville is a small town, to begin with, but when you bring thousands of students to campus, the small town feel almost turns into big city life. During the summer though, it has a more small town vibe that reminds me home.

2. You get close to the people living here too

Since there aren't many people living here, you grow closer to the ones who are struggling through summer school too!

3. No traffic

Those ten minute drives turn into five when there aren't five thousand other people trying to rush to their 8 am

4. Smaller classes

Instead of having to give a speech to 50 people in my communications class- I only have to give it to 12. Completely worth it.

5. You can park wherever you want

Parking tickets aren't a thing in the summer, so park wherever is best for you!

6. You get to know your professors better

This goes back to smaller class sizes, but your professors know your name after the first day, and it feels more like a high school class than a college lecture.

7. You learn to love it both ways

Whether it is hustling and bustling with people or quiet and serene, you learn to love and appreciate it even more.