As Fall Semester approaches and the excitement of starting yet another semester grows larger, the lessons of semesters past remind us of the good and, yes, the bad, our upcoming academic endeavors will bring. Although warm apple strudels and kitten whiskers are fine and dandy, they’re not always what bring true joy to a college students heart. So, in true Julie Andrew’s fashion, I bring to you “A Few of My Favorite Things” for when the dreaded deadlines and finals come your way this upcoming semester.

1. Seeing Puppies on Campus

You’re walking back from your dorm after an excruciating lecture period and you hear it. A sweet little innocent “woof.” Your eyes dart, searching for the hint of a wagging puppy tail. Then you see it. Before you know it, you're running across campus, book bag and all, towards the most precious beast you have ever seen as if in slow motion like Noah and Ally in The Notebook. Surprise puppy kisses always lick up the tears of any finals week.

2. When your parents visit and pay for your meal.

They gave you life. They taught you how to speak. How to walk. They pretty much made sure you didn’t die on their watch for 18 years. Yet, the most glorious gift that have given to you in your eyes is the fact that when Mom and Dad took you to Buffalo Wild Wings, they bought the meal AND let you take back the leftovers. You, my friends, are the real MVP’s. No Ramen for me tonight, I’m eating these wings like a Queen.

3. Missing Class but Your Friend Brings You the Notes.

You decided to be a potato today and refused to get out of bed. Now you’re sitting in bed, surrounded by snack foods, stressing out because due to your laziness you weren’t able to get the notes for next weeks’ exam. Suddenly, the skies open and the heavenly chorus rings as your friend enters your dorm room waving your copy of the notes. How will you ever repay them? Give them your organs? Or your first born? No, you promise to pay at the next Taco Bell run. Friendship win.

4. When Netflix Finally Adds the Latest Season of Your Favorite Show

Bunkered down in the library like it’s your own personal Fort Knox, you finally find the motivation to study after a semester of procrastination. “BING,” your laptop beckons. Upon your observation, you gasp in disbelief and desperately fling your homework to the side for Netflix has finally released Season 4 of Orange Is the New Black. Boy, are you going to regret this life decision when finals come, but at least you’ll know whether or not Alex will survive her encounter with the hitman in the greenhouse. You know, because that information will get you a degree.

5. Waking up to that email with the glorious subject line of “Class Will Be Cancelled Today… ”

Praise the Lord. Yes, college is a privilege and we are very lucky to be able to obtain higher education. But sometimes, a good ole’ free day is worth every second. Whether you spend it catching some much needed Zzzz’s or catching up on the paper that’s due tomorrow morning, cancelled classes bring joy to every student’s heart.