As a freshman I remember being scared and nervous to move in for FROG week, I did not truly appreciate it then. But after realizing the beauty of it, it has become my favorite week at JMU each year. So what makes FROG week such a summer vacation? For starters, there are no classes. This is the only week that, once students get back (besides dreaded finals week), there aren't any true class related obligations. You can party the night away and then have the next day to recover without worrying about that unfortunate 8am class. Being reunited with your friends this week is the best because you don’t have to work around conflicting class schedules – everyone is free. What makes it even more like a vacation is the endless days spent at the beautiful Aspen pool. It doesn't matter how old you get, partying by a pool with all your friends will always be a guaranteed good time.

But what separates this week from all the other class-free summer vacation weeks is that you get complete freedom back. There is always that transition from doing whatever you please at school to your mom asking where you are going every time you leave the house. Once you are back you reclaim that independence that was somewhat limited over the summer. A lot of students move into new houses or apartments during this time as well. This is always exciting because you are reunited with your roommates and get to make your new place feel like home.

Don’t get me wrong, seeing family and being back in your hometown with old friends is always much needed. Maybe you got to study abroad, go on a summer vacation, or backpack through Europe? Perhaps you had your dream internship and loved every second of it or just worked a summer job to save up and relaxed a bit. Even if you got to do some of those amazing things this summer, one thing is for sure - FROG week is undoubtedly another vacation on the list that you can look forward to before the semester begins.