As this is Fall Break is UTM students most of us are back home with our families and in the comfort of our own home. Being back at home makes us realize just how much we do appreciate home. In the hustle and bustle of lives at school. Between homework, tests, and even finding time with friends sometimes we forget much we really do enjoy being at home.
1. A home cooked meal.
You can only eat Chinese food from the cafeteria or ramen noodles for so long. When you think you will die if you eat one more McDouble or a taco and cheese dip from the local Mexican restaurant in town one more time and the woes of college food have finally destroyed you then you know it's time to go home for a real meal. The positive effect your mom's cooking can have on you is unreal. It's more than comfort food- it's the best all around food.
2. A full night's sleep.
Between sleepless nights cramming for a test or doing shenanigans with your friends all hours of the night it truly amazes you how much better you feel after a full nights sleep. No unexpected awakenings when your roommate goes to the bathroom in the middle of the night or when the floor above you sounds like they are housing an elephant with all of the stomping around. A full nights sleep is something that for most of us only happens when you come back home.
3. Sleeping in your own bed.
No dorm room twin sized mattress which has been used by who knows how many generations of students or even a futon you swear is as comfortable as a real bed but you secretly know isn't. There is no better feeling than laying down after a big day on your own perfectly picked out mattress and comforter your parents bought you years ago. You have had it for as long as you can remember, and it is home in the most important sense possible.
4. Not having to buy groceries.
As a college student, there are many times you will check your refrigerator or your cupboards finding them more empty than the electronic section of Walmart on Black Friday. However, as you open the cupboards or fridge at home you immediately dig in as neither your mind or stomach can consume the smorgasbord before your eyes.
5. Peace and quiet when you really need it.
No matter how much you love your roommates, or love having commotion going on at all hours of the night it really is nice when you can come home and finally have some peace and quiet. For a lot of students, this is the only time they get time to themselves. Once you grow up and start a family you will have even less of this time to yourself, so enjoy it while you can!
6. Local businesses that you used to frequent.
Whether you drive two hours home when you get sick and need to go to the doctor, need a haircut from the stylist who has been doing your hair since you were 12, or you need a new car part from the only mechanic who has ever seen your car then you know there is no place like home for these sorts of businesses.
7. Neighbors, friends, and even pets.
Regardless if you adore your roommates, live with your best friends, or spend most of your time a school with your significant other you can't help but miss those back home. Seeing old friends and neighbors or playing catch for three hours when you return to your favorite dog never gets old.
8. Local festivities.
College towns are known for hosting activities specifically made for college students.Concerts, parades, and festivals in your college town but coming home to a local chili cookoff, a cookout or a high school football game will always be better.
9. Laundry services.
Growing up some of you may have had parents who did your laundry for you or maybe you did it yourself but had a seemingly endless supply of detergent and dryer sheets. Either way it is a luxury in comparison to washing clothes at school.
10. Getting time with your family.
Above all things coming home to your family is the best feeling one could have. You never know true comfort until you have had a rough week and you get to come home to a hug from mom and a trip to your grandparents house.
Whether it is a clean house, a home cooked meal, encouragement after a hard week, or just a hug from your mom being away at school makes you appreciate your home more than you ever imagined. This sense of appreciation is one you will never forget, and for these reasons you will never forget how much you truly appreciate home.
