I am two weeks into my sophomore year, and I already am home for a weekend. Originally this was not my first choice, but working being work led me to spending the weekend home. As this week progressed, I realized that even though it is early, going home for a few days isn't all bad. There are some benefits to being at home instead of on campus, albeit I do miss my friends and Boone already. Here are the great things I get now that I am home.

1. Driving

One word says it all. I don't have my own car, let alone a car I can use all the time on campus, so I love driving when I am home. I lean back, turn the music up real loud and have a good old time.

2. Alone Time

I love my roommate and my friends, but sometimes I need my own space. It has been a hot minute since I have been able to secure some alone time for more than two hours. It is nice to relish all alone while watching "Criminal Minds."

3. Home Cooked Meals

The dining hall food is already waning on my system, and it has only been 15 days. Whether I am eating fruit on the hour or homemade spaghetti, anything is better.

4. DOGS

I am obsessed with my dogs, and I miss them while I am away. The first person I hugged was my dog. Forget my family, that four legged bundle of joy takes priority.

5. Quiet Time

Since I live in the dorm, it can be hard to find somewhere it is completely quiet. I appreciate while at home the fact that it is completely quiet when my door is closed. No need for me to grab my headphones to drown out the noise.

6. The DVR

I have an unnecessary addiction to all things TV, so it is hard to keep up with all of my current shows without a recording capability. When I am at home, I can spend and unhealthy amount of time catching up on "Big Brother" or "Bachelor in Paradise."

7. Target

Boone doesn't have a Target, but I have two within a 20 mile radius at home. You best believe that every time I go home, somehow I end up in Target buying too many unnecessary items.

8. Parents' Money

If I am in need of some new shoes or snacks for my room, I make sure my mom takes me shopping. Don't get me wrong, I love her for more than her spending, but it sure doesn't hurt to have her do the swiping instead of me.

9. Laundry

I hate the laundry rooms in the dorm because I am always forgetting to change it over and people are always taking it out for me, so it gets real messed up. Additionally, I have to hang dry a lot of my clothes, so my room is just scattered with clothing awkwardly hanging to dry.

10. Forgotten Items

There are a few things I left at home that I now know I need. This is the perfect opportunity for me to pack up some more random items and bring them back to school with me.

11. Comfy Bed

Don't get me wrong, I have made my bed in my dorm room quite comfortable, but nothing compares to my own bed. It is so nice to be able to relax in my bed that is mine and only mine.

Leaving for the weekend isn't the best decision for every weekend, but once in a while it isn't that bad. It is nice to know that I can always look forward to these awesome things when I do leave campus.