As the summer is coming to an end (or not, depending on how early or late you go back to school), some of us just can’t wait to get back on campus. For others, not so much, but for me, I can’t wait. As much as I love summer vacation sitting by the pool, going to the beach and not having a care in the world, by August, I find myself missing school and my friends. Of course, that also means a ton of school work, but since I have a great major that isn’t that stressful, I don’t mind all of it. So here are just some reasons why I cannot wait to get back to school.

1. The Freedom

I love my parents to death, but having a little freedom is great. Not needing to tell them where you’re going all the time...I mean, not that I do, but other parents are stricter. Going to Taco Bell at 2 a.m. or going out on a school night is what makes going back to school exciting. Of course, you are responsible for yourself, but not having someone look over what you do is refreshing.

2. Friends

I live in a sorority house, so that means I’m around my friends all the time. Being away from them all summer can be difficult, especially when I live four hours away. Getting to reunite with all of them, and most of all, my roommate who is like my other half. They say that us college kids meet the people who were going to be friends with for a long time, and I absolutely think it's true, but sometimes we don’t just make all new friends, we just make room for more.

3. Hometown Friends

Even though you went away to a completely different college than your high school friends doesn’t mean you won’t still talk to them. I met my best friend in grade school and we still have a great relationship. She’s studying in Italy this coming fall and even though I won’t see her, I’m so happy that she gets this opportunity. Going back to school is great reason to go visit your friends at their college and see their college experience. Although those FaceTime calls are good to keep in touch, getting an in-person visit, is the real deal.

4. The Food

No, I’m not talking about the cafeteria food because we all know that it sucks. I’m talking about the most delicious food that comes from the town. Of course, where your school is located can affect what kind of food is around. For my school, the kids, myself included, eat calzones from the top of campus, which are the best things on earth...during the semester, lets not get carried away. I just can’t wait to order up some food at midnight on a Thursday studying for that exam the next day.

5. The Social Events

The parties are great and all, but what I’m more excited about are the basketball games — and I know it's more of an end-of-the-semester sport, but our football team just isn’t good. The atmosphere, the people and of course the games themselves, because my school has a great team and a great coach. Coming back to all that is worth the wait.

Going back to school is a very exciting time for me as I hope it is for you as well. I know we’re still only at the beginning of August, but school is right around the corner and I couldn’t be more excited. For now, I guess I’ll just have to keep going to the beach and relaxing almost everyday. Sound horrible, I know!