I'm a native Long-Islander, and Hofstra is just 30 minutes from home. Part of my reason for choosing such a close school was so I could get the best of both worlds: I can be right next to NYC and still be close to home. I'm very lucky, and, so far, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
1. You're never too far.
If you want to go home for the weekend, or maybe just in-between classes, if you need a quiet space to work or relax, you can go home. As much as you may love your roommates, sometimes getting away from campus is needed.
2. But you still get your independence.
You're in college! Even though you call your mom every day, or maybe you go out to lunch once a week, you're still living on campus. You can be your own person and make your own decisions. You have the room and the opportunity to be 100% you and grow as a person.
3. You can be an adult.
Since you do live on campus, that means you have to make your own decisions. It's up to you to find your own internships and take the right classes, make food, run errands, and do your laundry. You need to take care of your home away from home, too. Sure, you're nearby, but your mom can't do everything for you anymore.
4. And still go home whenever you want.
If you're just not feeling it, maybe you got sick, your parents still want to take care of you. They'll welcome you with open arms. You still are their kid.
5. Your own bed is just a short car ride away...
Those mattress pads and creaky bed frames can only make it so long. It's also comforting to sleep in your own bed after stressful weeks away.
6. ...And so are your pets.
Most colleges only allow fish in residential buildings, aside from service animals. Leaving your pets, often times, pets you grew up with, is hard. Especially because they don't understand what's going on. Your pets are always there for you, no matter how you are feeling. They don't judge.
7. You don't have to "miss out" on things your family is doing.
Maybe it's your cousin's birthday or a family reunion. If you're as close to your extended family as I am, then you definitely do not want to miss out on family gatherings. It's a good time to let loose, eat good food, and catch up with your family.
8. And you can always count on a good home cooked meal when you get tired of the student center food.
Hofstra's food is pretty good if we're going by college standards, but no matter what, you're eventually going to get sick of what's offered. Going back home knowing your parents are cooking dinner is one of the best feelings in the world.
9. Your parents can be there for you (even though they would be no matter what).
It's hard when you've had a rough week and all you can do is call or Skype your parents. If you're close and you just want to go home and let loose and vent, your parents are there for you. Spending a weekend at home after a crazy week is a great way to wind down, step back, and think about what you need to do, all while taking a slight breather from it all.
I'm very lucky in that my home away from home is close to home. I could understand how hard it is for the majority of residential students. As midterm season is coming to a close, maybe now's a good time to schedule a visit and head home for a few days.
