Almost every single college forces Freshman to live on campus in the dorms they have available. Many students, including myself, only live in the dorms for their Freshman year, but some do stay in the dorms for Sophomore year. As the year goes on, everyone is more and more excited to leave the dorms and more into apartments, houses, or where ever you plan on living. Don't get me wrong, I was ready to get out of the dorms, but there are many things I'm going to miss about them.

1. I never had to eat a meal by myself.

I knew so many people that lived on campus, that anytime I walked into the dining hall I was always able to eat with someone. Next year, I will be living with two other people, and unless they are home, I will be eating by myself.

2. Didn't have to pay for food.

The dining hall didn't cost me anything in the moment, because my food pass is joined with the cost of living on my campus. It was nice not having to worry if I would have enough money to feed myself that day.

3. Being right next to all my classes.

I'm going to miss being able to wake up 15 minutes before class and still making in on time. Not being able to walk to all the buildings in 15 minutes is surely going to stink.

4. Not having to drive every day if I didn't want to.

Since I'm living off-campus next year, I will be driving everywhere. To class, work, the store, I mean everywhere.

5. Being able to walk down the hall and have a heart to heart with someone.

Freshman year, I was able to call someone and have a conversation with them at any time of the day, because we all lived in the same area. Now I am going to rely on my two roommates more than anyone else.

6. Having multiple closets, because all your friends live by you.

Since everyone is living in different places, it's going to be a lot harder for be to borrow clothes. Going to miss being able to walk down the hall and have two or three other closets to choose from.

7. Being in walking distance to everything important: class, bars, food places, etc.

Since I'm living 10 minutes off campus, I will have to drive if I want to something with my friends. I'm going to miss being able to just walk across the street, or across campus to get to the places I want to go.

8. Seeing the same people every day, and being able to talk for 5 minutes, or even hours.

Living in the dorms you pass at least one person you know whether its going to class, or going to eat. When you pass them, it might be a "Hi" "Bye" conversation, or long conversation, you never know. Living off campus, I won't get that anymore.

9. Not having to clean anything except for your room and bathroom.

In the dorms you don't have to clean anything, no pots or pans, no living room, nothing. The only thing you have to clean is your little bit of living space and the bathroom.

10. Not having to worry about the bills and rent every month.

Most students get a loan to pay for their living expenses. Next year I have to buy my own food, pay for my rent, water, electricity, etc. I'm going to miss not having to worry about it.

11. The room already being furnished.

Moving into the place I'm living next year, I have to furnish everything. My bed, a couch, dressers, anything I need to live, I have to bring. The dorms were so nice. literally bring your clothes, and bathroom items, and you're set.

12. Making a lot of friends just because I see them every day.

I've made so many friends this year just by walking to and from places, and eating in the same place everyday, Next year I'm going to be with two other roommates and that's it. Unless I go out of my way, I won't be seeing everyone like I use to.

Freshman year was stressful, fun, exciting, and so much more. I'm ready to more on to the next step in life, but I'm definitely going to miss the dorms, and everything that goes with them. Thank you SIU for forcing me to live here for my first year.