I am slowly coming to the realization that summer is coming to a close. I have many friends who are heading back to the classroom in the next few weeks. I have just under a month left before I return to school in Nyack, New York.
My initial reaction to returning to school so soon was to be extremely saddened. I love being home. I love Brooklyn. I love being around my family. I love my job. I love the people I see. I love New York City. I love the restaurants. I love the scenery. Anyway, you get the picture. Going back to school always seems like more of a loss than a gain — from this side at least.
In reality, I do love being at school, even if it takes me a little while to realize that every year I move back into my dorm. To all the other college students who may be feeling the same way as I do about leaving home and going back to school, let’s remind ourselves why going away to school is so great.
1. You get to have all your friends right down the hall.
I don’t know about you, but getting together with friends can be a challenge. In the summer, everyone has varying schedules and commitments. Yes, school is similar, but there are only so many hours of the day that someone can be in class. If you stop by a friend’s room at 1 a.m., the likelihood of them being there is pretty high — and if they’re not, you have five more rooms you can stop by on the way to your own. You’re bound to find someone to vent to/Netflix with.
2. You can always find someone to go get food with you.
Most cafeteria food sucks, and the cafeteria is not open 24/7. As college students, we all know that hunger strikes suddenly and at all hours of the day. No matter what time of day, there is always someone who’s hungry and wants to eat just as badly as you do. You can share a taxi and half apps. Life is golden.
3. Shared closets.
Don’t have the appropriate attire for that job interview? Left your best pair of heels at home? Winter came early, and you don’t have a jacket? Do not fear, you now have 10 closets to rely on rather than one.
4. You discover new places.
Every semester when I go back to school, I think I have done everything there is to do in my school's small town, Nyack. Instead, I’ve always discovered something/someplace new. Never fool yourself into thinking that you've done everything. It might take a little digging, but there is always adventure nearby. Living on a college campus means that there are always other people looking for different scenery besides the school library too.
5. New year, new people.
Every school term brings new people. Maybe you have a solid group of friends, or maybe you don’t. New people at school can change the atmosphere fairly quickly, and it's a good opportunity to make new friends. I always look forward to seeing who the new students are and watching to see how they fit into/change the community.
