At the end of a long and stressful finals week a few months ago, I could think of nothing but how much I wanted to be at home with my dog, somewhere on a beach, or staying out late with my friends. However, the end of the summer signifies something wonderful: fall semester, and I can't wait to be back.
1. New everything.
A new school year starts with so many new things: classmates, books, classes, school supplies, professors, classrooms, or even a new school. You can start with a clean slate and completely reinvent yourself. It’s a bit like celebrating New Year’s Eve in the middle of the calendar year. Complete with new hopes, new dreams and maybe one or two resolutions.
2. Regaining your independence.
Summers are great. You can spend time with your family and relatives – it’s like a long Christmas break, including too much food. But we all know how Christmas breaks sometimes end. You start fighting with your siblings over empty cereal boxes, dirty socks or remote controls – just like in the olden days. On top of that, you probably have to explain to everyone and their sister why you do/don’t have a significant other. And explain where you’re going, why and for how long. So after a few weeks, going back to school and being on your own is the perfect escape – and makes returning home for Christmas break so much more exciting.
3. Making new (and meaningful) friendships.
For me, one of the most exciting reasons to go back to school is meeting new people. Of course you can do that throughout the semester, but there’s always a special atmosphere at the beginning of a new school year. If you’re going to a new school, these first few weeks are an exciting time to meet new people, hear new stories and make new friends – maybe even friends for life.
4. Turning your brain back on.
It’s time to train your brain again! Switching from vacation mode back into school mode can be tough, but there is officially such as thing as learning loss, and it can get especially bad during the summer. Just like your legs become restless after a long flight, your brain is excited to start working again. You might not agree when you have to go to class early in the morning, but trust me, your grey matter will thank you.
5. Fun with your roomies!
Even the most active brain needs a break every now and then. School is not just about learning – it’s also a place where there’s always something fun to do and someone to hang out with. Just as important as studying for school is studying for life. After all, friendships have to be cultivated, adventures need to be experienced and new places must be explored.
6. Diversity is everywhere!
For some of us, home is a bubble. It’s your stereotypical suburb or melting pot of a city, but you tend to keep to yourself. But at school, you’re handed the opportunity to interact and learn from people from different backgrounds, countries, cultures and religions. College is the perfect time to pick at someone else’s brain, consider their ideas and discover what their completely different world has to offer.
7. Syllabus week.
No homework. No due dates. Parties all around. It’s the perfect chance to truly let loose before the school year really starts to get serious.
8. You’re basically within walking distance from everything.
At school, there’s no need to hop in your car, sit in never-ending traffic and finally arrive at your favorite place for dinner just before close… 20 minutes after leaving your house. On campus, you have access to many activities, where everything is reasonably close. If you can’t walk there, there’s always a shuttle to hop on that’ll get you there as quickly as possible.
9. There’s always something to do.
Home can be pretty monotonous. Wake up, work, come home, eat, sleep and do it all again. But at school, no matter the time or place, there’s definitely something happening. 2 o’clock on the quad? Free cupcakes. 10 a.m. guest lecture? It’s a world-renowned speaker. There’s always an event happening, a day to celebrate and a party to attend.
10. It could be your last.
For us seniors, this is you final hurrah. This year, let's embrace it, cherish it and definitely, definitely don’t take it for granted. College is all about making memories, so let's do that.
