In high school, I, like many others, lived for the summer time. I could not wait to be home with all my best friends without a care in the world and to just be free -- even if it was just for a couple of months. Then I finished my first year of college. Now there are five things I know to be true with a college summer.
1. All of your friends are spread all over the place
I moved four hours away from home to go to UAB. I was absolutely dead set on not rushing a sorority and just getting up there and settled. Ha, joke's on me. I rushed and fell head over heels for my sorority. Now, all my Greek family and my friends are spread out all over the U.S., and honestly it sucks.
2. You miss chapter
I never thought I would really want to go to chapter, but now that I know what its like having over 100 girls having your back no matter what. I cannot wait to see them. No matter how much drama is going on in your school or personal life, you always had chapter with 100-plus girls who felt the same way you did, understood you and never failed to greet you with a smile.
3. The library is not the social spot every day
One of my favorite things about UAB is how the library is always full, and lucky me, I had over 100 study buddies to choose from. Granted, I'm taking summer classes now, and still living in the library, but it's not quite the same as having anyone to study with, being a text away or just running into your friends in a study pod on the bottom floor.
4. Coming home is really tough
In the fall, I was coming home as much as possible. I missed my small town so much because up there in that huge city, it took me a while to adjust. Now, I'm really not sure what I did before college. What's been really tough is adjusting back to your family's rules. You get so used to being independent, leaving the house whenever you want, making your bed once in a while, letting the dishes pile up in the sink, -- you just did what you wanted when you wanted. Now being home, it takes times remembering you can't just leave and not tell anyone where you are going, chances are you're under your parents' roof, and they want to know who, what, when, where and why? So be nice, answer the questions, and spend some time with your family, too. They are not use to having you under the roof and want to grasp the reigns on their "baby" while they still can, even if it's just for the summer.
5. Your friends from high school
I love UAB, and I still will say it's the best decision I've made to date. However, coming home and spending every single day with your best friend is pretty cool, too. My best friend and I even work together, and normally the same schedule, but nothing beats your off days and time to spend with someone from home. If it wasn't for her, me and my Netflix account would be way closer than we already are.
Now trust me, I know you miss your college friends. I know that 99 percent of your groupme consists of "Miss you" and "Can't wait to see you", but I promise, just hold on for the summer. Spend time with your family, they really miss you, and spend some time to get yourself and life together (at least until school starts back), and you'll all be united again before you know it.
