Another summer gone, another year of college to begin.

As I both begin and finish my packing for the new semester the day before I am due to move in, I experience a wide range of emotions. The seven most dominant feelings I experienced, listed here, might very well be similar to what others go through as they pack as well. Here’s to the shared feelings of a new year.

1. Sadness that summer vacation was ending.

No, this isn’t your grade-school type of sadness because it means you have to work on school work again. This is sadness because it means saying goodbye to the friends I had the chance to visit back at home. It means sadness because two of my closest friends at my university are studying abroad this semester.

2. Excitement for the new year.

It’s not all sadness however. A new year means new people, as well as reconnecting with other friends at the university; a new set of classes in subjects that I’m passionate about; unknown potential in relationships. There is plenty to be excited for in the new school year.

3. Surprised joy at finding gift cards that I didn't know I had and realizing I won’t be as broke as I originally thought.

Everyone likes having money, especially when you’re a college student. Although gift cards are straight hard cash, it’s still something else that won’t have to be payed from your own pocket.

4. Amazement at how much I’m packing.

The list just seems to go on for all the items I need to pack away and bring with me.

5. Amazement at how little I’m packing.

The list, however, also seems small, as if there’s always something else that I’m forgetting to pack.

6. Recovery from all the money that had to be spent in preparation for the new year.

Be still my beating heart. Who knew books could be so expensive? Well after already having to purchase books for five semesters I should know, yet it still gets me every time.

7. Wonder at what new experiences this year holds.

Every new year means new experiences. Good or bad, they still make me stop and wonder what they might be before they ever happen. I guess the only way to discover them is to just jump right into it.