As a senior in high school, I had no idea that I would be taking my first semester of college off. As an incoming freshman who had her bags all packed and everything purchased for my dream dorm room, I didn't know that I would be spending eight days up at school before coming home to take my first semester of college off. I spent four months living at home while all my friends were away at school. Sure, it was hard and not the desired situation, but I learned a lot along the way.

1. You learn a lot about your family.

Yes, you lived with your family in high school, but you were so busy in high school. When you're home every day, you learn a lot more than you actually bargained for. Chances are you'll be helping everyone in the house with their smart phones too. You will also become your sibling's personal chauffeur.

2. Netflix is actually your best friend.

Pick a show, any show. Actually, just grab some snacks and make yourself comfy because you'll end up watching every show.

3. You live vicariously through your friends and their college experiences.

You know their schedule, their roommate's names, how bad the food is at Salve Regina versus Brooklyn College, and the best places to go off campus. You're practically a college expert, except you haven't actually been to college.

4. Working is the best thing for you.

I worked at a daycare center and a clothing store during my semester off. I got my fair share of social interaction while being able to maintain my sanity and make some money.

5. You appreciate your town a lot more.

When the only form of entertainment is driving around your town, you find a lot of hidden treasures. You also get really attached to your town and when all your friends up at school start with "I'm so glad I left that place," you get really defensive.

6. It gets real lonely.

Thankfully there's FaceTime and texting, but it gets hard when your best friends are states away. Missing your friends is never fun, but being away from them gives you the chance to reach out to other people, like coworkers and neighbors.

7. Your sleep schedule and eating habits are very similar to those of a college student.

You'll stay up to talk to your friends, or to finish that last episode of "Grey's Anatomy." Your social life is lacking and your sleep schedule is suffering, but Easy Mac is the cure-all. Just remember to add the water to the Easy Mac, please.

8. You'll get jealous.

Believe it or not, you'll actually miss school. Your friends will be complaining about their massive workload and everything in you wants to take it on for them so you can do something school-related. When your friends start talking about all the fun they're having with their new friends, your heart will shrink to the size of the the Grinch's.

9. You'll regret your decision multiple times.

At the time, the decision you made was the best thing for you. As time goes on, you'll get sick of the boredom and jealousy and will spend countless hours laying in your bed, staring at the ceiling and really wishing you were in school. When your friend starts talking about her horrible sociology professor, your feeling of regret will diminish and you'll be happy that you've given yourself four extra months to prepare for that

10. You're literally counting down the seconds until your friends come home.

Now that the semester ended, your squad is back in town for a whole month. It doesn't get much better than that!

11. You'll be saving a lot of money.

You're not paying for a whole semester of college. That's a lot of money to be saving. If you're working full time, there's a lot more money to be saving.