There is not much that can compare with exploring a beautiful foreign city. Being in a different country, learning new customs, adjusting to a different lifestyle is something I believe everyone should do at least once in their life. It teaches you to respect a very different way of life, while also teaching you to appreciate yours. Although I find myself often missing the city I studied abroad in and planning a visit back, I really missed Baltimore. That is a statement most people have been shocked to hear. But Baltimore is a beautiful city worth exploring, just like any city abroad.

Here’s a list of the reasons I’m grateful to be back in Baltimore:

1. Loyola. This one is probably pretty obvious. Especially after studying elsewhere, I realized how lucky I am to attend a university such as Loyola. The smaller class sizes and professors that genuinely care make all the difference in an education.

2. Friends. I have been lucky enough to meet a lot of amazing people at Loyola. It’s pretty rare to find people that you can be away from for so long that still make you feel just as comfortable when you’re reunited

3. The stories. With so many people coming back from different places, about to go different places, or even that have found new things around Loyola, everyone has a fun story to tell. Conversations are rarely dull when there’s so much catching up to d

4. The food. Not necessarily on campus, although Iggy’s breadsticks are still the best food at Loyola. But Baltimore is full of restaurants offering a variety of mouth-watering food. Whether it’s burgers and milkshakes at Paper Moon Diner, a hipster spot in Hampden, or one of the varieties of pizza offered in Pizza Studio, the options are endless.

5. Hopkins Deli. HopDel deserves it’s own spot for being the one-stop-spot of Loyola. Cheese fries and wine in the same location is genius.

6.Brunch. I have yet to find a place that does brunch quite like Fell’s Point. How can you beat bottomless mimosas and the awesome food, whether it’s the guac at Barcocina or the endless breakfast options of Bond Street.

7. Hampden. This artsy little neighborhood has so much to offer. Whether it’s one of the many restaurants or one of the many shops, this block has it all. Not to mention a laid-back atmosphere and eye-catching street art.

8. The opportunities. There is always something new to do or see in the city. Adventure is around every corner if you look for it. There’s so much to discover in Baltimore and it’s exciting being back to experience all of the new things, as well as enjoy the old.