Many people dread the return to school. It marks the end of Summer, the end of weekdays without classes, and the end of seeing our families and friends as often as we are used to. However, there are also many who look forward to returning to school all Summer. I, myself, fall into this category. As soon as I took my last final of my freshman year at Loyola, I started to feel down. Stepping off of that beautiful campus and coming home was something I was not expecting to dread, but that was exactly how I ended up feeling. I realized that leaving Loyola, even if it was just for the Summer, would make me miss certain things about being there that I did not have at home.

1. The beautiful campus:

I have visited many schools in my search for the perfect college to attend, and I can honestly say that Loyola University in Maryland has the most beautiful campus of any that I have visited. It is modern, yet old-fashioned. Small enough to feel home-y, yet large enough to not feel cramped.Overall, it has everything that a "home" needs, and being away from it for the Summer has made me miss it oh-so dearly.

2. The sporting events:

Even when it is a billion degrees outside, or feels like it is below zero, the sporting events at Loyola are the place to be. Especially the lacrosse games. Showing school spirit and kicking it with your friends is what these games are all about. Free tickets all year for every game for students, free Loyola shirts, hats, and scarves, and all of the Chik-Fil-A you can eat? Yes please.

3. The dorms:

There is a reason that Loyola University in Maryland has the number three best college dorms in the United States. I was blessed my freshman year to have gotten the opportunity to live in Campion. The apartment style housing was spacious and included a kitchen, bathroom, living room and two bedrooms. Being a freshman and living in that kind of set-up rocked, and you can pretty much do it every year if you really want to.

http://www.loyola.edu/news/2013/0805-princeton-rev...

4. My "school" friends:

Finding a group of people with whom you get along really well is always a win. Getting to live with these people and see them whenever you want to is an even bigger win. Being around these people so much really creates strong friendships, and before long these people are your best friends. I've missed them all Summer and am so excited to get back into the flow of campus life with them.

5. Classes:

Believe it or not, I am excited to get back to class. Going to class gives me something to do other than sitting around all day. Not to mention the classes at Loyola are actually interesting. I can honestly say that I am looking forward to attending classes and getting back to doing something with my days other than wasting them.

6. Going into the city:

The beautiful city of Baltimore was made to be explored. I am looking forward to getting back to the city and going on adventures with my friends. Attending events and going to festivals throughout the school year are just a few of the city's offerings. Baltimore has so much to give to a developing young adult, and taking advantage of all of it is a must.

7. The weekends:

Whether you end up going to Johns Hopkins, the mansions, Power Plant, PJ's, Maxie's. Murphy's or Fed Hill, a weekend at Loyola is always a great one. I am so excited to get back and be able to go out with my friends again.

8. Being on my own:

I have always been an independent person, so going to an out-of-state college was a no-brainer for me. Making my own decisions, living on my own, and just being genuinely my own person is what I am most looking forward to about returning to Loyola.

One more week, I can do this.