Being in college for four months at a time can make you more appreciative of what you have back home. With this being my first time away, I wasn't sure what to expect or how to feel about being away from home. As a young adult ready to go out and see the world on my own I was truly excited to be away. To this day I'm still excited but, I do find myself missing certain things that I had when I was home.
1. The Food
There isn't much that can compare to a home-cooked meal after a day filled with school. This makes going home for the holidays a heaven on earth experience for my stomach. Don't get me wrong, an 11:30 p.m. trip to Romo's is great, but the smell of bacon Saturday morning to dinner on the weekday is even better.
2. Friends
Arguably one of the things I miss the most from home. Having college friends is crucial and makes college easier but the ones still in high school or off at some school anywhere from home all the way to California, I miss the most. FaceTime and text doesn't make up for the time you were used to just a couple months ago.
3. My Bed
Possibly the most under looked thing going into college is a twin bed. Even with the bed pad it just doesn't seem to compare to the one you've slept on for years at home. Also, by this age, a good amount people have upgraded to a full size or queen including me making the twin seem like a definite downgrade.
4. Family
One of the most missed things when you go away to college, no matter the distance. Even only being 30 minutes away, some things you tend to miss. The everyday family dynamics and the random things that if you did in public people would think you were weird but your family understands. Some days more than Skype is needed, but what they've taught us is the start of our independence.
5. Accessibility
If you find yourself on a campus outside of the city without a car you tend to find yourself wondering where your ride will come from. Uber is always a possibility, but even for a student with a job it tends to add up. So you usually rely on parents or a friend with a car to help you out when you need to go somewhere. You appreciate the rides but would rather have a better method.
6. Work
Also, without knowing someone personally who's hiring it can be a challenge. You'll have chances for interviews but can come up short to upper class-men or just someone more qualified in some category than you currently are. Where back home in Downtown Pittsburgh they basically give away entry level positions that pay enough to get you by through school.
7. Environment
The college life or environment is one unlike many others. A couple months ago you might have had your own room and only shared a bathroom with a handful of people, that has now changed. You get to have a community around you which has its pros and cons, as everyone eventually wants alone time, and that is rare when you share everything including a room, unlike some of us when we go home.
College is a great experience that I recommend to anyone willing to put the work in. Leaving home is very unique and fun experience where you get to spread your wings and see how you handle being out the house for extended periods of time. Everyone is different some people don't miss anything while others find themselves thinking about home at times.
