If my first semester of college is any insight into what my second will be like, I cannot wait to return to school. However, this time around things will be so much different… a good different.

Unlike my first semester as a freshman, I do not have to worry about adjusting to a new environment. My first few weeks in college back in early September were spent scrambling to make new friends, becoming familiar with my college town, testing out which foods are the best in the dining hall. On top of beginning classes, which required much more work than the high school courses I was used to, I had to worry about starting an entirely new life.

None of this applies to my second semester. I am so lucky to have already found friends at school that I feel 100% comfortable with. They keep me sane amongst the immense workload, late nights, and endless study sessions. They are my Friday night go-to’s, my Saturday morning brunch buddies and my Sunday afternoon football-on-the-quad partners. I don’t have to worry about feeling awkward at parties because I have no one to stand or dance with. I won’t have to worry about eating dinner alone because we all follow the same meal schedule. I’m never worried about being alone at the gym (that is, if I ever really start going.) It’s safe to say that at any given time, if I feel like I need some company, it’s guaranteed to be available.

Along with already having a solid social life, I know what to expect when it comes to classes. I won’t have to worry about finding the right building on the morning of my first class. I’ve mastered the art of timing the walk. I know that if I leave my room 20 minutes before class time, I’ll make it with plenty of time to spare. Finding the correct classroom will be the only slight inconvenience for me. Sure, second semester I have to adjust to a new schedule and courses, but at least now I know what to expect regarding the workload and classroom setup.

Sure, first semester was exciting because everything was new. But along with that excitement, I also felt a load of anxiety. Starting college is a lot of different things, but it is also almost always scary. Returning to school in just a few days, I feel none of the nervousness I previously did. Instead, I can’t wait to be back on campus and with my friends. I’m excited to have a weekly routine again. I miss always having something to do, even if it was sometimes too much. I miss always being surrounded by people. I miss things I didn’t think I would like the constant noise in my building, even at three in the morning. I miss studying at the library. Believe it or not, I even miss dining hall food.

Most of all, I miss New Paltz. I miss the town that has become my home so quickly and so easily. I can’t wait to return to my busy schedule and kick off my second semester of college. I know it’ll be great because I know just what to expect and I know exactly how I’ll make this semester better than the previous.