When you first stepped on to your school’s campus it was all so foreign. Months, or maybe years later, that campus has become your home. You live there longer than you live with your parents and it was much easier to get acclimated than some made you think. Returning home helps you realize all you miss about your new home, some of which I’ve listed below.
1. Staying up all night without interference
At school my “bedtime” was whatever time I decided to climb into bed. You can imagine my surprise when the second night of being home my mom instructed me to go to bed. I chuckled thinking she was joking, something she didn’t quite appreciate. She didn’t understand staying up all night watching reruns of Parks and Recreation seemed more attractive than going to bed. It doesn’t matter if I can do the same thing during the day; I want to do it now.
2. There’s always food ready to be eaten
Whether it’s the dining hall, the little market with snacks, or a school food truck, there’s always food to be had. This availability spoiled me. At home I was forced to make food myself or wait for my mom to get home from work and then convince her to feed me. Sure there’s some snacks in the house, but nothing compares to the array of foods I kept stashed under my bed.
3. Unlimited access to my friends
In school you’re always with your friends. I can’t count how many times I walked a few doors down and then broke into my friend’s room through her window just because I could. Now I have to make plans and then spend almost six dollars in train fare to see anyone other than my reflection in the mirror.
4. Nighttime adventures
The best plans are often the most spontaneous ones. There’s something magical about a late night trip to the cheesecake factory or heading down to the beach at eleven to watch the waves just because you can. That magic quickly evaporates when you have to answer a “who”, “what”, “where”, “why”, “what time” survey from your parents. It’s just easier to sit on the couch and watch the food network with your dad.
5. Partying, and the subsequent gossip
I miss it all: the pregame, the party, the after party in your friends room after everyone has changed and grabbed snacks. Sometimes the best part of the night is when the whole squad is putting the final touches on their outfits and someone’s “Turnt” playlist is blasting from the speakers. Then of course there’s the added fun of rehashing the events of the night and hearing all the drama. This excitement is something that’s missing when you start working your summer job and spend more time with your pets than other humans.
Coming home for the summer was something I looked forward to and for the first few weeks it was great. Yet as time passes I find myself willing to go to class, take exams, and do homework just so I can experience the fun of being away.
