It's almost hard to believe that winter break is over. Sure there were plenty of things you missed about home, but while you were there you realized there were things you missed about college. Sure, the food might not be at the top of your list (*cough, Susquehanna*) but there are perks to returning to campus.
1. Catching up with friends
If you're anything like me and took the break to relax and catch up on sleep, you probably haven't spoken to your friends that much. Or even if you did, nothing beats face-to-face conversations and pulling pranks on one another.
2. Being able to walk everywhere
Whether it be to classes, shops and restaurants, or to the river (lake, park, whatever floats your boat), you can just walk from your dorm to wherever you want to go in no time. Or there are bike rooms in most dorms if that's more your speed.
3. Shopping shuttle
If there's places that are out of walking distance, there's generally a weekend shopping shuttle to run you to Walmart, the mall, or whatever shopping center is close to your school.
4. Having a schedule
Rather than sitting home bored trying to think of what you want to do, you'll have a designated schedule for classes, sports or dance, and everything in-between. Whatever free-time you have can be used how you choose.
5. Work study
Sometimes your financial aid includes federal work study, which is x amount of dollars your university owes you through on campus employment. If qualified, it gives you something more to do in your free time and extra pocket cash.
6. Different environment than home
Being on campus provides a different atmosphere than being at home. It's refreshing after a while of seeing the same things over and over.
7. Free gym
You don't need to pay for a gym membership because there's an on-campus fitness center with all the machines and an indoor pool you can use between classes or over the weekend without paying any fees.
8. Clubs and other extracurricular activities
When you're on campus, you have much more exposure to clubs and organizations that excite you. Some even work with the local community and/or other nearby schools so you can meet new people.
9. Starbucks
Most campuses feature a Starbucks, or some sort of coffee shop in the campus center. This is super convenient for those of us who are addicted to coffee.
10. Getting a fresh start
Last semester is in the rearview. Whatever negative things happened then are over and done with. Now's your chance to start anew and show em who's boss!