I love college. I love the freedom I have, I love my friends, I love Chicago, I like most of my classes. But there is just something special about coming home. Here are some of my favorite things about coming home:

1. The weather

I'm a Floridian going to school in Chicago. There are more than a few things about that that call for some head scratching. A big one is the weather. It rarely gets colder than 40 in Florida (it's usually in the 60s or 70s during the day). Right now, I'm happy if I see the forecast in Chicago predicts weather over 10. Big difference, yea?

2. Having a car

I know people have cars in college, but for those of us who don't, coming home and being able to drive is a Christmas miracle. Need to grab something from Target? No more ubers or bumming rides from a friend. I got my own car now (or at least a car that I can drive).

3. The food

I like the food in Chicago. Deep dish pizza is amazing. But there is nothing like the food from where you grew up. I don't plan anything out for break past where I want to go eat.

4. Pets

I love my dog. He is amazing. He is fluffy. He is the cutest thing you will ever lay eyes on. And he lives in Florida. Which means I don't get to see him unless I'm on break (save the occasional FaceTime and snapchat from my mom). Every time I go home, I say the first thing I'll do is give my dog a hug (the second is usually go get food from one of my favorite restaurants).

5. Sleeping in your own bed

Our dorm beds are not the worst thing in the world. I like my bed at college. But the dinky little Twin XL mattress has nothing on my pillow top Queen at home. Let's be really real.

6. Mom's cooking

After eating at a cafeteria that, if we're honest, has done a subpar job this semester, it is really nice to go home where my mom will cook my favorite dishes. Chicken Poppyseed for the win!

7. You actually get sleep

At school, I'm happy when I get 7 hours of sleep. During finals week, we're looking more at 5 hours. My first night home, I got 12 hours of sleep. 12 HOURS. And I still wanted a nap #sleepdeprived

8. Home Sweet Bathroom

I had forgotten how extremely ridiculously cramped our bathrooms at college are. My mind was actually a little blown when I walked into my own bathroom and I could move without knocking something over every five seconds.

It's nice to come home and appreciate all the things I don't get to enjoy while at college (mainly sleep and my dog. Food is high up there too.).