It's that time of year again in the life of a college student... The countdown to Thanksgiving break, the storm clouds of finals week looming on the horizon, and finally winter break! For me, it seems like the fall semester has flown by. Thinking about the holiday season, I can't wait to be home with my family and friends. Here are the top ten things every college student misses the most about home while away at school.

1. Your bed.

Yes, your mattress pad that you got at Bed, Bath, and Beyond may be super comfy on top of the "mattress" you have at school, but nothing beats falling asleep in your own bed.

2. Not having to wait forever for your Brita filter to give you filtered water.

Don't get me wrong, I strongly appreciate my Brita filter; it turns the bathroom tap water into water I feel safe drinking. But it honestly takes forever for the water to drip through the filter. At home, filtered water just comes out of the fridge.

3. Not having to walk substantial distances to get food.

Making the long trek to the dining hall to eat is not my favorite thing to do. While I'm at college, I long for the simple days of just walking into another room and raiding the pantry or fridge, or both.

4. Your pets.

Honestly, pets are the greatest and it's a shame college dorms don't allow pets. What would be wrong with having a few cats, dogs, goldfish, and birds around?

5. Falling asleep easily.

Don't get me wrong, all of the people that live in my building are great. But sometimes, your neighbors running, yelling, singing karaoke, and watching a movie at an extremely high volume at 11 pm doesn't make falling asleep the easiest task.

6. Not having to be super quiet when you wake up in order to not wake up your roommates.

When I wake up, I tend to be pretty noisy. So I have to try really hard not to wake up my roommates in the morning, whereas at home I don't have to be as quiet.

7. Hanging out with your best friend from back home.

I miss my best friend Nikki while I'm at college like crazy! So when I do get to go home, it's a party everyday we get to see each other.

8. Home cooked meals!!!

I don't even think this reason needs an explanation.

9. Driving around and knowing exactly where you're going.

Yes, I still need Siri to tell me how to get to Target from my school.

10. The parents!

Ever since I left for school, I've missed my parents so much! I just want to hang out with them all the time.

Ah, home. I'll be back soon!