Going back to school isn’t as bad as it sounds.

Of course summer is the perfect time for a break from school. A lot can happen during summer. New friends, adventures, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends are some of the many joys of summer. It’s the time to make new memories, forget the past and not worry about assignments being due or tests to study for. Summer is carefree and fun and can be the perfect opportunity to figure out things about yourself. And while all that is great, sometimes summer seems to get boring and repetitive. Whether it’s going to work or internship multiple days a week, or practically living at the beach; at some point, you find yourself secretly wishing to go back to school.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Summer is also the time to start gearing up for the upcoming semester. Between registering for classes and buying school supplies and books, it can be hectic. The work you put in in the off-season makes it a smoother transition. Even before school starts, things have already been getting done. Being ahead of the game is one of the key things that you will thank yourself for later. Now that some things are out of the way, it’s time to focus on schoolwork once it starts again. It’s a chance to improve grades and GPA. It’s a chance to join clubs and get more involved in the student body. But most importantly, it’s a chance to set new goals and achieve them.

Not only is it a fresh start in a way, for those of us who are transfer students its an entirely different ballgame. It can be stressful to change schools. You get so used to taking the same route and parking in the same place and going to the same building(s) every day. You know the online portal by heart and can name a whole bunch of classes from the course catalogue and its description. But sometimes, change is good and it can be beneficial. It’s finally a change of scenery with a new campus, new classes, and new friends. Maybe there are more clubs, sororities or fraternities to join. Or maybe you picked a roommate and are meeting them for the first time. There are so many things to look forward to when starting at a new school. It’s an exciting time and a stressful time all in one. However, it is a learning experience. Having the knowledge and strength to get through whatever it is you encounter is one if the most important things in life. Even if it is just going back to school or starting a new one, you are constantly learning things no matter how insignificant they may seem. It doesn’t make you weird or crazy for wanting to go back to school. At some point, everyone is itching to get back to school because that degree is the light at the end of the tunnel, and your ticket to the future.