You told yourself you wouldn’t do it, but you did. Living with your parents your first year of college isn’t what most people consider ideal, but it’s not so bad as long as you can put up with these things.

1. Orientation was actually the worst day of your life.

No, I don’t need a dining plan. Yes, I really do live 15 minutes away. And, yes if you don’t that pompom out of my face in 3 seconds I really am going to leave.

2. Explaining that you don’t live in a dorm is a daily ordeal.

Is it really that shocking that I choose not to give up three free meals a day and no rent? Really?

3. People asked you for directions on campus like you’d ever been inside a building other than the football stadium.

I’m literally just as confused as you are.

4. Off-campus, however, you are a lifesaver.

It’s easier to just drive every single time than try to give directions because these poor out-of-state kids don’t even know where Target is.

5. Making new friends is a perk, but not a requirement.

Sure, you met some really cool people, and you’ll probably get pretty close over these next few years. But, those guys that still live right down the road that you’ve known since middle school…those are your real homies.

6. You learned the freshman 15 is not just for students who move far away.

Turns out walking across campus does not make up for the fact that you ate Chick-fil-A for all three meals, and no amount of mom’s cooking can fix that nightly study ice cream.

7. The question “Where are you from?” is the absolute bane of your existence.

Here. I’m from here. Yes, “here” as in my high school is 4 blocks away and my advisor is distantly related to me. Yes, I did come here by choice. And no, I do not plan on staying forever I’m just trying to avoid having to do my own laundry for as long as possible.

8. Campus events that start after 2 p.m. are a commitment.

If I already left campus, I ain’t coming back. And if my last class ended over an hour ago then I definitely left so just don’t count on me being there.

9. You definitely couldn’t relate to 95% of the conversations around you about “college life.”

Yea…everything is SO different…except not really

10. But you felt better when they started complaining about missing home.

Keep crying. I’ll be at my house snuggling my dog in my bed and showering in my bathroom.

11. Or better yet, when they complained about having to drive or fly home for holidays.

Honestly, the thought of having to get on an airplane just to hug my mom sounds like something out of a horror movie. I really don’t know who it would be harder on — me or my bank account.

12. You saw half of your high school on a daily basis, but it really wasn’t that bad.

If you like each other, you say hi. If you don’t, you avoid eye contact. So simple.

13. What WAS that bad, were those local kids trying to act like they weren’t local kids.

“I went home this weekend and it was just SO GREAT to see everyone!!” First of all, BECKY, you live in the same neighborhood as I do, and your dad’s office is within walking distance of your sorority house. But, you’re right, you’re such a fun, relatable college student I wish I was more like you!

14. You probably brought your mom into the bookstore at least once.

It was just a very stressful time, and there was a lot going on, and I just really needed to not waste $500 on the wrong book. There’s no shame.

15. You’ve definitely had your physical appearance shamed by your family.

I have an 8 a.m., mother! We all look like this! Don’t you dare judge me!

16. It isn’t perfect, but you know you wouldn’t trade being so close to your family and friends for the world!

It really was the best choice you ever made!