I knew that driving to college this year was going to be different. I would never have thought that I was going to like college so much more as I got older. I am able to have so much more freedom and become more independent.

1. I'm able to bring my car

This was going to be a huge change for me this year. Last year I was stuck on campus relying on other people to bring me where I needed to go. Having a car this year was essential because I'm living off campus and I have a job off campus.

2. No more living on campus

Living in a dorm costs almost double than it does to live off campus. This was the main reason I decided to move off campus. I'm saving money and I guess living on the beach is a perk too.

3. No more dining hall food, but having to cook for myself

No more buttnug Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's. I may not miss the food they offer, but I will miss getting food whenever I want. I'm super busy with classes, work and rugby so who knows when I'm going to make myself food.

4. Classes are MUCH harder

Being a science major I find this to be extremely true. Last year I had easy classes like Bio 101 and Nrs 100, but this year I'm taking Calculus and Organic Chemistry.

5. A lot more friends that I'm closer with

At this time last year, I was going to college with only two friends, my roommates. This year I have new best friends, a rugby team and so many people in my major that I'm friends with. I'm more excited to get back to school this year to see my friends and catch up with them.

6. I'm familiar with campus

Last year I had no idea what buildings were which, where my classes were, and I have no idea where anything was. I'm much more confident finding all my classes and just being able to find things without asking anyone else.

7. No longer being treated like royalty by staff

Being a freshman, we got the nicest dorms, the most free stuff and of course the most help. This year they expect more from us. We don't get any special treatment like we received last year.