Being at college is amazing- there’s always something to do, people to see, and plenty of homework to do (or plenty of ways to avoid doing it). But when you come from a close family, something is always missing. Sometimes it’s a little hard to put it into words, but here are a few things any family with an unbreakable bond understands.

1. You have traditions.

Whether it’s Christmas pajamas, special food, or some crazy ritual, every family has something they do to make celebrations unique. You miss those little traditions when you’re away, especially since no one else really “gets it” when you say that you always wear onesies on Christmas morning.

2. You want to celebrate.

Your family has been there for you, through the bad times and the good. When the good happens while you’re away, you miss celebrating with the people you love.

3. You miss the family humor.

Nothing beats a family-style inside joke. Something silly you said when you were little may still come back to haunt you every once in a while, but that’s the fun part. You have years of funny memories with your family to cheer you up when you need it.

4. You find yourself telling everyone about your family’s stories.

Remember that one time you and your brother almost destroyed the house? Or when your sister wouldn’t let you play with her so you camped out outside her door? These memories make you smile, and they’re important to you.

5. Family vacations are crazy.

There’s no vacation like a family vacation. Things rarely go according to plan, and that’s okay. You’ll probably still fight over who gets the best bed in the hotel room, no matter how old you get. And you’ll find yourself getting just as big of a grin on your face when you arrive at your destination as you did when you were five. After all, you know it’s basically guaranteed you’ll have a great time.

6. You’re thankful to have people who always have your back.

It’s hard to be away from the people who you grew up with, and who raised you. But it just makes the time you have with them that much more special. You know that no matter how many miles separate you, love, support, and laughter is only a phone call away.