Commuters feel awkward when they have to hear everyone get super excited during the weeks leading up to finals. Our friends are packing the dorms or suites, buying plane tickets, and cant stop talking about going home to see their friends, family, and pets. I admit, I was once this person. But this semester I am a commuter, and we have very different reactions to winter break from the regular college student. Here are thoughts that go through a commuter student’s head before the holiday break.

1.) “I’m excited for finals to be over, but not because I'm going back home. I go home every night. I’m excited because finals are over.”

2.) “Since I wont be spending an hour driving to and back from school for a few weeks, what will I do with that extra time?”

3.) “Look at all this traffic, good thing I’m not headed to class.”

4.) “Wow, this parking lot is packed with cars and there are literally no spaces. Reminds me of the parking lot at school.”

5.) “It feels better watching Netflix in my room when I know I don't have assignments to do for class.”

6.) “Oh, your dog gave you a really cute welcome when you got home from school? That’s nice, mine does that every night.”

7.) “You missed your mom’s home cooked meals? Can’t relate, thank God, I haven't eaten microwave mac and cheese in over a year.”

8.) “What’s on my Christmas list, you ask. Three words: gas gift cards.”

9.) “Hey, I haven't heard this song in a while. It’s on my ‘driving to school’ playlist. Turn it up!”

10.) “Even though I have almost a month off from school, the spring semester will be here before i know it, and the commute will have to begin again.”