1. Free Time vs. Freedom

Being home for the holidays made me feel like I had all the time in the world. We all have such busy lives at college it feels as if we never have time for ourselves. Winter break is your chance to indulge in some “me” time before real world hits again. As much as I loved kickin` it on the couch all day binge watching Netflix, I still didn't have freedom. I still had to respect my parents rules, do chores when told, and follow their schedules. Going back to school I can plan my days around what works best for myself and have all the freedom at the cost of my free time.

2. High School Friends vs. College Friends

There is something different about the relationships with your high school friends and your college friends. You know all about your friends lives from high school. For the most part, you have probably grown up with them since kindergarten. It's fun to be able and come back to your home town and reminisce on old times and laugh at the past. At the same time It's so exciting to catch up with your college besties you feel like you haven't seen for a year. You get to spend the next semester together making more memories and tighter friendships.

3. Stocked Fridge vs. Top Ramen

First, is it bad that I'm kind of hungry?

Mom and Dad, I will miss your weekly grocery shopping. Or even making me go to the grocery store for you. I know when I get back to my house at school and open the fridge and pantry it will be completely empty. I'm going back to the day to day struggle of trying to plan my meals around the little food I have. The house special for the next semester will be a nice warm bowl of Top Ramen.

4. Parents vs. Professor

This might be one of the hardest transitions in my opinion. We are transitioning from people who care so much about you they can get on your nerves for asking you too many questions about your day to a person who you might only interact with in class. Yes, your professors care about you and want you to learn but they aren't there to pat you on the back and pick you up when you're down. Your parents are there for life lessons and support, while your teachers are there for school lectures and learning.

5. Siblings vs. Roommates

Sorry sis, but I'm not going to miss you stealing my clothes and then having them disappear forever. Siblings are family and you can argue and fight with them unconditionally and things can go back to normal the next day. This is not so true with roommates, everyone comes from different backgrounds and were raised differently with how they might handle their living situations. You have to learn what ticks off your roommates and make adjustments. Remember to clean up after yourself because your mom's not there anymore picking up behind you.