As the pending semester draws nearer and nearer, much like an approaching storm, I always think about all the good things that the new semester brings. Sure there’s the empty bank account, the deadlines that come at me from every which way and the weird, loud guys that live on the floor above me, but at the same time there’s still a ton of things that I look forward in the upcoming semester. So, all panicking and stressing aside, here are some of the reasons that I personally, am counting the days until the new semester begins.

1. Freedom

To those of us who live on campus or in an apartment away from home, I think that one thing most, if not all, of us can agree on is that the first step you take into your dorm or apartment after break is like a breath of somewhat fresh air. Think about it, that pile of laundry in your chair can stay there for as long as you want it too without you getting told to fold it up. For those of, like myself who come from a stricter family, gone is hassle of having to watch that raunchy Netflix show on your laptop with your headphones plugged in. Being home for the holidays is amazing and I love my family, but I can’t say I don’t enjoy how good it feels to come and go from my dorm as I please.

2. Sleep

Hear me out on this one. I of course don’t have the healthiest sleep cycle. What college student does? But that doesn’t mean I don’t get plenty of sleep. My summer before sophomore year was spent working a full-time 7-6 job. Every morning, I’d be up before the sun came out at the ripe of 6:30 AM, if I was lucky. The line of work I was in required that I be alert and on my feet at all times, so sneaking in a nap here or there was out of the question. By the time I got home, I’d need to be in bed and fast asleep within the next few hours if I didn’t want to be a zombie at work the next day. So, when I was at school with a 9:30 class every other day of week and so many gaps in my schedule, the napping possibilities were endless unlike during the summer. Sure, I still stay up until 3 AM or later, earlier? Whatever. I still stay up for a while working on essays and finishing assignments, but when I don’t have to be up until noon and have free time between class, making up for the lost hours of sleep isn’t too much of a hassle.

3. Friends

This one is probably something we all can relate to. The fall semester was rough, and while I didn’t necessarily make it through unscathed, thanks to my friends, I was able to make it through in one piece. My friends, old ones as well as new, are a huge part of what I’m anticipating returning to college in a couple weeks. The laughs, the inside jokes, the mostly harmless teasing, all of it makes it to brave through the school year. The few weeks spent away from this guys over break tends to suck and seeing them again when I get back to school is the best.

4. Food

Campus life may not be so good for my wallet, but it compensates by being good for my appetite. With so many on campus options of dining and all them being within walking distance, it’s always a nice treat to be able to grab a bite from my favorite spot before class. Pizza anyone?

5. Classes

Again, hear me out. As this is the second semester of my sophomore year, I’m finally getting to take more classes that are in line with my major, and I’m excited for it. As stressful as my classes were, there’ve been a few that I’ve tended to look forward. Professors I could listen to for hours without a problem, fellow students I enjoy sitting with each day. My classes aren’t just there to make me want to rip my hair out, at times they can be something I really look forward to.

6. Dorm Life

I have many a horror story from living in the traditional dorms at school. Very many, but at the same time, my experience living on campus is one that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Before my freshman year, I’d been told that dorm life was a wonderful experience and I can’t say I was disappointed. There’s something magical about waking up an hour before your class starts and being able to walk there and still get there in time. There’s a bit of a adrenaline rush every time you and someone else in the laundry room are eyeing the same dyer, counting the time left on it and being ready to pounce. I’ve always loved waking up and being able to look out my window and see the beautiful UNC Charlotte campus before promptly rolling back over to go to sleep. Because again, I can wake up 30 minutes before class and still make it on time!

In addition to all of that, the people I’ve met in the dorms have been quite unforgettable to say the least. Whether I’m hearing anime blasting through the wall I share with my neighbor or listening to the people who decide 2 AM is the perfect time to sing their favorite songs at the top of their lungs, there’s always something going on the dorm that makes it feel like a home away from home. The mix of the good and bad makes it charming and I honestly always look forward to going back because the community is so amazing.

So all in all, yes there are tons of challenges I face heading back into college for the spring semester. Things are going to come my way that are going to push me to my breaking point, but at the same time, all of the bad things about the upcoming semester, don’t outweigh the good ones by a long shot, and for that reason, I can’t wait to go back.