The time we all thought would never come is finally upon us. We’re headed back to school, and winding up the summer for another year.

Books, pens, and aspirin are filling our shopping carts and we’re all trying to jam every fun activity, family visit, and last minute responsibility into this last week before classes start.

It can seem almost stressful as each day fills with goodbyes and good lucks and we all go our separate ways until perhaps Christmas break for some. These times can certainly seem overwhelming, and there’s always the nagging feeling you’re forgetting something while also filled with the dread of homework and commitments again. However, through it all, we all know that there are so many great parts about heading back to school.

1. Seeing everyone again

The best part of heading back to school is the obvious one; catching up on everyone’s summers in person and living with your best friends again. Texting or calling isn’t the same as talking in person, and some friends live too far away to make plans with during the summer. Spending time with friends and roommates again is definitely the biggest perk of heading back to school.

2. Finishing up summer jobs

While this can be bittersweet in losing out on the paycheck, it’s hard to miss the 30-40 hour work weeks, dealing with the public, and mind-numbing shifts. The end of the summer means the last of our shifts at our monotonous, stressful, or minimum-wage jobs, at least for another few months or until our degrees begin to pay off.

3. Living on your own again

This can be scary for some at first, but it’s easy enough to get used to. You no longer need to answer to anyone and get to enjoy the independence, so this is a huge advantage to living back at school.

4. Starting up extra-curricular again

Some of these clubs, sports, and activities you’d never have a chance to be a part of if not for college, and only in one place would you be able to have these interests within a one-mile radius at all times. Groups like bands, intramural sports, or groups devoted to issues about which you are passionate are hard to find outside of school, and starting these extra-curricular again with all your like-minded peers is a great part of the new year.

There is so much good in starting school again. Although some people may not be looking forward to the work and stress again, others see the academia as something that is worth the effort. Seeing friends, having greater independence and accountability, and rejoining old favorite clubs and activities are just some of the things to look forward to about starting school again.

Instead of thinking about summer being over, look forward to the cool and crisp fall weather, and the start of new and exciting opportunities. Good luck on your upcoming semesters!