If you’re lucky enough to have your home base within a reasonable distance to your school, you know that going home is a wonderful, but also very tricky experience. It’s wonderful to see your family, pets, and home friends, but the questions and having to leave kind of put a bummer on things.

1. You get real food—finally!

Even if you do live off campus, chances are you’re not the world’s best chef. When I go home, I appreciate my mom’s cooking way more than I ever did as a kid. I try to eat as much as possible and maybe try to learn a few tricks and tips. At the very least, you can appreciate not having to make it and clean it all by yourself.

2. You spend a lot of time with your pets.

I was lucky enough to get a wonderful new puppy right at the beginning of school. Every time I go home, I love spending time with her and seeing how much she’s grown. Bonus: It’s nice to hangout with someone whose main interest isn’t alcohol or boys.

3. You get “those” questions.

Going home is awesome—until you start getting those questions. You know the questions. There’s the classic, “Have you been looking for a job?” Or perhaps you get, “Have you met any nice boys?” There's basically no good way to avoid some type of question that will make you want to curl up into a ball and play dead.

4. You question why you ever left this wonderful place then remember how much you love being at school.

The food, the company, the comfy bed—there’s so much to love here! Why did I ever leave? I mean, how important is this whole “degree” thing. Oh right. Independence, getting a job, and I have wonderful friends at school. I’m ready to go back!

5. You leave with way more stuff than you came home with.

For me, this is generally food. Whether it’s leftovers from mom or from a shopping spree at Trader Joe’s, I always end up coming back with at least one extra bag and possibly a small cooler full of delicious food. Clothes are also an issue when coming back to school. I always seem to end up finding clothes that I don’t understand how I ever lived without at school.