No greater anticipation looms over the school year like the light at the end of the tunnel known as summer. Every year amidst the chaos of final papers, projects, and exams, students itch in the library waiting for the ultimate break from school. There are the obvious perks of one of the best times of the year, like spending time with friends and family, freedom from nagging professors, and ideally having some sort of an income.

However, each year we’re consistently hit with reminders of valuable lessons that easily slip the mind while away at school. It’s something about eating the meals we grew up with and being with company we’ve known since we were children that surfaces important things previously known.

1. Having a schedule is nice sometimes.

One of the most enticing aspects of summer is not having a strict agenda to abide by. However, after the monotony of living at home settles in, we’re quickly reminded that having too much freedom isn’t always a good thing. While going to classes, meetings, extracurriculars and other events can get exhausting, sometimes having too much to do can be better than not having enough.

2. Independence is infinitely more valuable than we often realize.

Every year, I’m thrown off guard the first night of summer that I am preparing to go out, walk out the door, and am asked where I’m going, who I’ll be with, and when I’ll be home. Regardless of social consequences, being dependent and operating on one’s own calendar or priorities is nearly impossible when living with family. Whether parents want to know where you’re going, siblings need a ride somewhere, or you’re fighting over who gets the car, independence in a beautiful luxury is not to be taken for granted.

3. Just because time has passed, it doesn’t mean our friendships from home are any less important.

Irrelevant to the fact that my high-school friends go to college in various places throughout the entire country, nothing is more reassuring that returning home and finding that nothing has changed. While yes, some friendships reap the consequences that distance can strain, it’s nice to return back to company that has known you in a different context than your friends from school.

4. Nothing beats a home-cooked meal.

As enticing as Ramen noodles, Kraft mac ‘n cheese, and PB&J sandwiches can be, they get old. It’s easy to forget about how comforting a childhood meal can be. Whether it’s a stressful day after a long internship or a tiring time spent under the sun at the beach, no sustenance is better than mom’s legendary meal.

5. It’s important to make time for ourselves, no matter how busy school can get.

Aside from the home-cooked meals, luxurious free-time, and quality time with friends, one of the greatest benefits of being home for the summer is taking time for ourselves. No one at school is going to stop you amidst the cramming and studying to ask if you’re taking care of yourself or making the necessary time that you deserve. But, after coming home for the summer, we’re reminded of how vital this priority is.