This year, I found leaving my college town more difficult than other semesters. Usually, I procrastinate on studying in order to pack up. and then speed out of town the second I finished my last exam. But this year, I had friends graduating, and decided to stay through the weekend. While I was in town those extra few days, I realized that although I was excited to see my hometown friends and family, I wasn't in a huge rush to get back.

I think a factor in my unwillingness to leave was the fact that my tiny college apartment made my college town feel even more like home. I had a kitchen, a living room, and a bathroom that I only had to share with one roommate and not a floor of forty other girls. I had a space to call my own, and not sharing a 10x15 cell with one other person. I really enjoy my independence while at school, and while my mom is usually pretty good about me being able to do what I want while I'm home, it's nice to be able to have literally no one to answer to.

I was also hit with a wave of nostalgia for a place I have yet to leave. As the semester drew to a close, I realized that this was my last spring on campus. It was the last time that I'd feel the itch for summer like the rest of my classmates, when afternoon classes get traded for days in the sun because it was just too nice to stay inside.

My college town has become a true "home away from home" for me. I know that some people still resent the small town atmosphere and lack of Chipotle, but I've come to love the unique restaurants and the small town coffee shops. I'm feeling a little sad that I only have four more months in this town, but until then, I enjoy my time in my real hometown.