The break you were counting down the days to is soon going to be nothing but a distant memory. Regardless of how many years you have been in school, the same thoughts come to mind at the start of every semester.

1. I can’t believe break is already over.

It feels like you just got home and unpacked. After a busy semester, a time for relaxation and rejuvenation was necessary. Somehow, the vacation that seemed like it was going to last forever is coming to a close. If only I could have two more weeks off…

2. I hope I can find the right classroom.

You plan on heading to class early on the first day. You did not consider the new routine of sleeping until noon that you acquired over break. Unfortunately, the morning came too quick and you’re running a littler later than expected. You regret not mapping out your classes ahead of time. You experience a small, yet significant victory when you find the right building. However, panic consumes you as you frantically guess which hallway you should try first. You consider dropping the class and maybe dropping out of school altogether if you can’t find the correct room on time.

3. I wonder if I’ll know anybody in my classes.

The biggest weight is lifted off your shoulders when you step into a classroom and you see a familiar face.

4. Is this class really required?

You’ve been dreading this required course since you signed up for it. This class has nothing to do with your major, but you’re trying your best to go into it with an open mind. You enter the room, sit down and wait for the professor to start. The professor begins by saying, “I know that none of you want to be here, but this is going to be a challenging course with a lot of work.” Your optimism goes out the window, and you stand up and shout, “Why do you hate me?”

5. Do I really need to buy the book?

After purchasing five books for a single class and not having to use any of them, I’m a little skeptical when it comes to buying books ahead of time. Attending the first class to find out what books are actually required sounds like a good plan to me.

6. When can I fit in a nap?

Class is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. I can nap from 11 a.m. to 11:52 a.m. and still make it to class by noon. That is, unless I sleep through my alarm…

7. I really need to go grocery shopping.

After consuming home-cooked meals for weeks on end, it’s a challenge to adjust back to a diet of Lean Cuisines and canned soup. You get back to your apartment, open the fridge and find...nothing. You need to buy food quick, before you develop a pattern of eating out meal after meal and going broke.

8. I can’t wait to catch up with my friends!

You have so many stories and experiences to share with your friends when you get back to campus. You can’t wait to fill them in and hear how their breaks were. A lot can change in three short weeks.

9. I miss my family.

10. I didn’t accomplish everything I wanted to get done.

You had your break scheduled to a T. Right when you thought you had it all planned out, life happened and you weren’t able to complete everything you wanted to. You’re left reprioritizing and deciding what you really need and want to get done.

11. How many weeks before the next break?

You start a countdown before the semester even has a chance to begin.

A new semester is a fresh start. You’re enrolled in new classes and have the opportunity to meet more people and try different things. Even though your break is coming to a close, try to stay positive. Put your all into the upcoming semester and remember, you have another break that will come up before you know it.