Despite the tremendous hours of studying that students take part in each week, college is a time for fun and excitement. However, it's always nice to come home and experience the things that you can't while you are away at school. Coming home from college in the summer has its ups and downs, and here are some that I have found.
Pro: Home-cooked meals
I'm sure every college student can agree that at first the food in the dining hall isn't awful, but after eating three meals a day there, it gets old real fast and you start craving your mom's homemade meals. Although it is convenient to have the dining hall for reasons such as grabbing a quick bite to eat on nights that you have lots of studying to do, there is nothing quite like coming home for the summer to delicious home cooked meals. It is sad to leave your friends at the end of the semester, but hey, at least you know theres a meal waiting for you at home upon your arrival.
Con: Less Freedom
Probably one of the hardest things about coming home from college for the summer is the sudden change in the amount of freedom that you have. When you are at school, your parents aren't there to drill you with questions about what you are doing, where you are going, and who you are hanging out with. With all of this freedom on their hands, college students feel a sense of empowerment when making decisions on their own without running it by their parents, so it is often difficult to come home and suddenly have to live under their parents roof again.
Pro: Alone Time
I have noticed that while I'm at college, I spend a majority of my time with other people, whether it's in class, studying, going out on the weekends or just hanging out. So there really isn't much time for alone time in college, especially if you are living with roommates. This is great as it provides lots of entertainment and memories, but it is always nice to come home and get to spend time on your own when you need it. There's nothing quite like spending a rainy Sunday in bed watching Netflix.
Con: Boredom
It's very rare that you will ever be bored while you are at college. Whether you are stuck in the library studying, enjoying a fun night out, or just hanging out with your friends, there is always something to do at school. This makes it that much more difficult to come home in the summer, especially when your friends are away for the weekend and you find yourself sitting around contemplating how to spend your Saturday night.
Pro: Home Friends
My friends from high school and I all go to different schools in different states, so we go months without seeing each other each year. I always look forward to coming home from school and catching up with my friends, and it always feels like we never left each other. We pick up right where we left off.
Con: Summer Jobs
You spent your life savings this past semester on food and other college necessities...whoops, it happens. Well, summer is the perfect time to make all of that money back. Going back to work isn't the most exciting thing in the world, but you gotta do what you gotta do. It's time to start saving up for the upcoming semester.
Pro: It's Summer!
There is no better time than summertime. Whether you are spending your days at the beach, eating a nice meal outside or just hanging out with friends and family, summertime is the perfect time for relaxation and fun before the crazy school year starts again. Enjoy it while you can.