I remember applying to college as a senior in high school with high expectations and a perfect image of what my college experience would be. I was going to my dream school. I was going to live alongside thousands of other students who loved the big-campus atmosphere like I did. I'd be in my own little city of people from all over the world with one thing in common: going to the same large state university we all loved.

Then, I was accepted to a branch campus. At the time I never would have said it, but I was disappointed. I felt isolated. The realization that I would be at my dream school without really living at my dream school made me feel inadequate. But then move-in day came around and I realized that though it would take some time, I was home. Now, two years later, as I pack to move up to the main campus, I find myself a little teary-eyed thinking about leaving all of this behind. My advice to incoming freshman at branch campuses everywhere is this: don't spend every day wishing you were somewhere else, because you won't realize what you have here until you leave. Here are the 10 reasons why I love and will miss my branch campus.

1. I know all of my professors, and they know me.

Since my professors know me, I'm more likely to ask questions when I need help and my professors are more inclined to take the time to do so. This also comes in handy when looking for internships and recommendations. Not to mention, it just feels good to have connections.

2. My walks to class are short.

I'm not a morning person, so this is a life-saver. My longest walk is 10 minutes, so if I wake up late, it's not the end of the world. No sprinting for me.

3. I was able to bring my car as a freshman.

Most large campuses don't allow freshmen to bring a car and sometimes even require freshmen to live in the dorms. Most branch campuses allow freshmen to live off-campus and also bring their cars. Also, the competition to buy parking passes isn't nearly as intense. There's enough space for everyone.

4. My class sizes are small.

Before coming to college, I was told that small class sizes are better, but I didn't want to feel like I was in high school again. However, my friends at other universities have lectures with hundreds of students while I was able to name everyone in my class by the end of the semester. There's something to be said for knowing the name of your lab partner and feeling connected to your classmates.

5. Joining an organization is less daunting.

Though branch campuses are small, most aren't lacking in clubs and organizations. It's much less intimidating (and less expensive) to rush a sorority or fraternity. Honor societies and other major-related clubs are also more intimate, which presents greater opportunities to get to know people who have the same interests.

6. I don't feel like I'm competing against my peers.

I'm not a number here. I know that since I'm on a smaller campus, it's easier to make an impact and be considered an individual. Especially during the first years of my college career, this has been a great confidence-booster and has allowed me to become my own person.

7. My main campus is a short drive away.

Okay, so sometimes you just need to get away. Whether it's for a weekend to visit friends or go to a football game, it has to happen. Since I have my car, it's not hard to get from place to place and my university's main campus is only 45 minutes away.

8. There are options to finish certain majors at my branch campus.

There are options to stay at my branch campus and certain programs are different than at main campus. Though this means that some specific majors have to move onto another campus, it also means that many have the option to change or pursue another option that allows them to take a more interest-specific route to their degree.

9. The campus is quiet on weekends, which is actually really nice.

No one really values quiet time until they come to college because, frankly college is anything but. However, I consider my branch campus a nice escape from craziness on game and holiday weekends. It's freeing to have an option between getting work done and going out.

10. On my way to class, I pass at least 5 people I know.

This is my favorite part about being here, and the thing I'll miss most. Though there are days when I think I look awful and want to hide from the light, seeing people I know on my way to class is great. Just the other day, I stopped and had lunch with a friend before heading to class. On my way to class I saw the cafeteria lady who knew me by name and a few girls from my sorority. These are moments I can't get back.

It's amazing to have had the opportunity to attend a campus that was small enough for me to feel at home, but large enough so that I was able to grow. Looking back, I'm so thankful that I came here first and although I'm excited about moving on, I know that much of my success in the future can be attributed to the experiences, friendships, and family I formed here.