Since all of my high school friends are graduating this week, I decided that it would be fitting to give some reasons why I’ll miss college.

Reason #1: Living on campus

Being an out-of-state student, I had to live on campus, but I can honestly say it was an experience I’ll never forget. I loved living on campus so much that I decided to be an RA (residence assistant). As a freshman in a new world, I think it is essential to live on campus to see life as you know it without your safety nets (aka your family). Living on campus is the second step to living on your own without having to pay for your own heat or food (unless café food is trash).

Reason #2: FREEDOM

The pure independence you gain at college is indescribable. You can plan your own class schedule. You can stay up late and come in at god-awful hours. At college, you are able to have the time of your life with no major responsibilities.

Reason #3: Broke college students instead of broke adults

Being broke in college is actually glorious. It is even expected. Most of my college experience consisted of me working on-campus jobs to feed my fast food addiction and off-campus adventures. However, now that I’m going out into the real world where I have real money problems, I will miss the luxury to be broke.

Reason #4: Free Wi-Fi and computer lab

This is one self-explanatory (lol). Even though campus Wi-Fi can be quite trash, it has saved me many times from going over the data on my phone. I will miss the computer lab too. It always came in clutch when my computer was on its last leg. I could always count on the computer lab to write last minute papers.

Reason #5: Campus Events

I was always involved in campus events. The great thing about going to a small college is that the big campus events feel like a huge party with your friends. You do not feel completely out of place. From the annual cruises to the formals, my small campus always made sure that their campus events were LIT.

Reason #6: Third Floor Turn Up

Each year of college, I was on the floor that had floor parties or just always had the moves. I was always surrounded by friends and could always find some trouble to get into.

Reason #7: Procrastination Nation

Procrastination took on a new form in college. I would always do my homework the night before it was due whether it was a simple reflection or 10-page research paper. Now that I’m entering adult world, I will miss the comfort that I had doing things last minute.

Reason #8: All-Nighters

All-nighters are really a concept that is only used in college. I could pull all-nighters like nobody’s business. All I needed was 4 hours of sleep and I was good to go. Nowadays, I have to go to bed by midnight or I’ll never wake up on time for my internship.

Reason #9: Naps Anytime

Naps are heaven sent. In college, I could always make sure that there was one hour in my day that I could dedicate to resting my tired bones. Stress sleep is a thing!

Reason #10: “Going up a Tuesday “

I am going to miss putting my obligations and stresses aside to go partying with my friends. College nights are a great way to just meet other students in the area especially if you go to college in a big city.

Reason #11: Yoga pants 24/7

I am not looking forward to giving up wearing yoga pants every day. I’m going to miss the luxury of going to class where no one really cared what you looked like. Even when my leggings had holes in them, someone understood and felt my pain.

Reason #12: Student Discount

Any way I could get percentage off, I would do it. Most food places in the areas that have colleges have nights with deals, half price items or percentages off for students.

Reason #13: Free Free Free

Again, If it is free, you’d see me! Any event on campus that involved giveaways or free food, I would be there five minutes early. I am really going to miss all of the free T-shirts, sunglasses and other college themed giveaways.

Reason #14: The Ability to Make Mistakes

In college, you may be an adult, but there is still so much room for mistakes to be made. College is the time to make mistakes and seek advice and help from those around you. Yeah, we are all human so we will continue to make mistakes. However, I believe that once you graduate from college, there is no longer room for your big mess-ups to be swept under the rug.

Reason #15: Memorable Professors and Admin

I love some of the professors and administration at my school. A perk of going to a small school is building relationships with the professors and administrators like you would with people your own age. I know that I can go back and have a drink with one of my professors and not feel weird at all. I cannot describe the amount of gratitude I have for all of my professors. I will especially miss my philosopher professor who taught me to challenge my doubts and never back down from what I want (Love You Dr. Melton!). And my history teacher, Dr. A., who always told me since my freshman year to always do more than what is expected of me.

Reason #16: Friendships that are more like FAM

Last but not least, I will miss the friendships that I have made. Each one of my friends has helped me to grow immensely. They make me angry, then make me cry, then make me smile and laugh. They tell me like it is, but still let me know how much they care for me. I thank God every day for the strong women He has allowed into my life. I know that I have made lifelong friendships in these four years that I will never let go.