It's that time of year again! Everyone is off to college. While there is plenty of excitement radiating from the first years and returning college students, the returning students already know the ropes. While the excitement is there, there are some thoughts many returning students share.

1. "Back to Student Center food..."

Mom's home cooked meals have been an absolute blessing. I forgot how good her food is compared to what they serve at the dining hall. Don't get me wrong, I like the food. But nothing compares to home cooked meals... Back to the days where I check the menu for the day and decide whether I take my chances, order pizza, or eat Ramen. I am about to be reacquainted with the dining hall food. Taco Tuesday and Fish Friday.... Here I come, Ramen!

2. "Time for early morning classes!"

Sleeping in has been nice. Classes are about to begin, and that means I will be waking up at 8:05 a.m. and leaving by 8:15 a.m. to get to my 8:30 class.

3. "I am definitely going to the gym this year."

I said it last year and I said it the year before, but I am going to the gym this year. I need to keep up with all of the pizza and junk food I am about to stress eat.

4. "Do I really need to buy all these books?!"

Buying books is definitely the toughest decision I make. In college, I have learned that out of the almost $1,000 worth of books I buy, there is at least one I do not open all semester. Maybe I can guess which one I won't use and...skip it?

5. "I am going to be more social this year. I mean it."

My school year entails naps and studying. But this year, I really want to branch out, make more friends, and participate at my school more...but, people...

6. "Unloading the car on move in day...Not ready..."

A fridge, microwave, and countless boxes and containers to go up three flights of stairs... Okay, we shall see. The chaos and nerves of move in day are around the corner, and I have already begun my therapeutic deep breathing.

7. "I am not going to spend money on useless things."

Trips to Target and Icing make me happy. No matter how useless the item is, I buy it and I don't regret it. Maybe...actually, I am not going to do it anymore. Who am I kidding? At least, I will try.

8. "I should have done more this summer..."

I went to the beach twice. I saw maybe three of my friends throughout the summer. All I did was work and look outside at the birds enjoying the sunlight.

9. "How many mental breakdowns should I expect for this year?"

Crying in college is very common, especially with constant exams, assignments, and essays. After the summer of relative normalcy, the stress of college is weighs down on you very quickly and causes the mental breakdowns. Let the games begin.

10. "REUNITING WITH MY COLLEGE FRIENDS!"

After a long three months of separation anxiety and late night phone calls and texts, I finally get to see my girls again! After seeing people every day basically from September to May, being away from them for three months can be nerve-racking. Let the party begin!

11. "I'm so ready!"

After a lot of up and down rollercoaster of emotions, I am ready to be back! After all of the packing, studying, and buying things to prepare, I can finally say "I am ready!" I am ready to take on to take another year at college and be that much closer to my degree!