YOU'RE FINALLY HOME!!! Those 6-7 weeks at college felt like you weren't going to get here, but now you are and you made it! Coming home is one of the best times because you get to see your family and friends who you've missed dearly. But it also means you have to come back to having parents over your shoulder, packing and unpacking, and the new reality of friendships changing. But no matter what, home is home-nothing can replace it.
1. Packing- Isn't it just a weird thought that you're packing to come home? Now your home is your school, which can either be a refreshing thought or a harsh reality for some.
2. Your parents- You'll love seeing them, but it’ll be a little weird getting readjusted to their commentary about everything you do. I mean, geez. If I don't finish my glass of milk, it's not the end of the world. But just remember, they have your best interest at heart.
3. Your freedom- College is the definition of freedom, which you can't appreciate until it's gone. Going home is nice in so many ways, but that freedom goes down a bit when your parents are setting curfews again (not that it really matters…because we all just want to catch up on sleep).
4. Your hometown friends- Yes, they are still the same and just as amazing, but it might feel a bit different since you all have new lives in college. Which is totally ok and absolutely normal. You might even find yourself talking a little too much about your new best friends and how much you love it there, which is absolutely ok as well. Just accept that you are all growing up and some friends are meant to be and some you might lose contact with. It's all part of the growing up process.
5. “Your” car- No more having to pay for Uber to go out to lunch or take the bus for a Target run. But just remember that it's nice to have to drive to friends houses. But in college, you can just walk across or upstairs to your friend's room. So appreciate the car while you have it, but also appreciate the advantage of having your friends closer at school.
6. Dishes- You kind of forgot that there isn't a magic conveyor belt wherever you go. But remember that you're home and not in the dining hall, so help your family out and do the dishes for them, since, well, they don't get to have a magic conveyor belt at every meal.
7. The restaurants- You can eat out anywhere around college, but nothing replaces that special Chinese place around the corner from home. But don't order for just yourself. Remember, you're with your family and there are more people that you want to take care of other than yourself. So offer to do takeout and ask what everyone in the family wants and eat with them.
8. Home cooked meals- Not dining hall food…need I say more? But remember to thank your mom/dad for cooking, they made it special for you. And even if they don't cook and take you out to dinner, thank them for paying because remember that they worked hard for that money. Also, you're a broke college student and you're not paying; be thankful!
9. Your Bed- Nothing beats sleeping in your home bed. Especially when it's larger than a twin and you can fall right into it. (PS: remember to turn off your class alarms! You're home, enjoy it!)
10. Shopping- You finally have someone else to pay for your crud. But don't go too crazy. Remember, they're also [most likely] paying for your tuition and you have to fit it in your luggage to bring back.
11. The shower-No need to wear shower shoes, no need to lug your shower caddie back and forth, and no need for your robe! Though, don't walk around your house comando...your family still lives there, remember!
12. The shower pressure- Nothing compares to the hot hard jets of water that hit your back like your home shower. (no, I do not have the hots for my shower…)
13. A room to yourself- Whether you love your roommate or not, it’s always nice to have some time and space to yourself; which we all know means to watch Netflix without headphones. Yes, that is still a thing. But also spend time with your family, you can watch Netflix at college.
14. The fridge- You can actually just walk down to the kitchen and get some real food. No more granola bars and Goldfish at 3am.
15. High school- It's nice to come home and reminisce over the good times, but it won't take long to realize how much better college is.
And remember to enjoy wherever you are, every day. Because every day is special and you don't want to miss what is in front of you.
