College is a busy time for everyone. You’re always on the move, going from meeting to meeting or class to class, and in between all of that, you’re either doing homework or hanging out with your friends when you should be doing homework. With all of the freedom you have while you’re in college, the hardest thing to remember to do during the day is to call your parents and tell them about your already super busy day. Sure, the whole thrill of college is that, for the most part, you’re away from your old town and everything in it. That includes family, and sometimes it can be difficult to remember to shoot them a text or let them know you’re still alive.

So I am going to give you seven reasons why keeping your family close throughout those hectic four years is one of the best decisions you will make:

1.) Your family will still love you even if you vent about the same person or thing 27 times.

Honestly, your family just wants to hear your voice and if you find yourself only able to talk about the professor who reminds you of the teacher from Ferris Beuller (the one that takes a million years to take attendance), your family will still just be as happy that you’re taking the time to talk to them.

2.) Your family is always ready to kick some ass if they have to.

Sure, they may be a couple hundred miles away, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t going to defend you. If you find out someone has been talking about you behind your back, your family will be the ones telling you every single comeback for every single possible situation.

3.) Family gives the best advice.

No one knows you better than your family. They remember all of the guys you (very tentatively) brought home, they remember the way that one bad friend in your life treated you, they remember all of the ups and the downs, and because of this they will always know exactly what to say when you call them with a problem.

4.) They are your number one fans!

Your family wants nothing but the best for you and has faith in your ability to succeed, no matter what! Even if you change your major for the third time, or if you failed a math exam (or two), or if you’re still unsure about what you want to do after college… Your parents will always be there cheering you on, whether you see them or not!

5.) Food, food, food… and FOOD!

Sure, the lobby shop has late hours and plenty of variety of pop-tarts, but unfortunately college cannot provide you with some of your homemade favorites. All you have to do is pick up the phone and tell your family that your mini-fridge is empty and the next time they come up will be with hoards of spaghetti and meatballs in tow. Plus, they will make you feel grateful that real food exists outside of dining hall food.

6.) They are always so excited when you come home for holiday breaks.

The moment you walk through the door with your suitcase and duffle bag, you will be attacked with hugs and kisses. It’s very quiet when you’re not causing mayhem in the house so I’m sure they appreciate the few days or weeks they have to experience that again.

7.) Well, laundry is always nice…

You never know, maybe your family actually misses doing your laundry for you… maybe… maybe not… But still, if it helps you save your quarters I am sure your family would be happy to help you with that basket full of dirty clothes!

8.) Home is never too far away.

Even if things aren’t necessarily going your way, there is always that crazy group of loons that you get to call your family. They will be there for you when times are tough and will be the first ones to pay for your train/plane/bus ride back home when you’re feeling just a little bit too homesick.

9.) They are the ultimate support system!

Whether life is going up or down, your family is always going to be the net that catches you. They know you’re old enough to take care of yourself and they know you’re smart enough to make the right decisions for yourself, but they are your family and through your mistakes and successes, they will always love you unconditionally.