Going away to college was one of the biggest decisions I have had to make. Leaving what I know, and the people I know, was pretty terrifying. Starting off as a freshman, I had that random roommate. The type of roommate that you have nightmares about. Between her Teen Mom binges and boyfriend sleeping over I didn't know how I was going to get through the semester. After leaving every weekend to go home, I finally decided it was time for a change. Joining my sorority became the change I needed. I finally had a group I could call my own and be accepted in. Moving into Panhellenic, the women I lived with became more than just the girls I would have chapter meeting with, go on late night food runs with, and stay up gossiping with, they became my family, and here's why:

1. At least one person you live with is the "mom" of the house..

Just like your real mom, this roommate is the one who always checks up on you. They are always there to offer to pick you up if you need a ride, because they chose to stay in. He or she reminds you that you have a paper due the next day and probably shouldn't be going out for Taco Tuesday. They are the people that tell you when your life is going down in flames, but are also there to tell you it's going to be okay.

2. Family dinner still exist some nights..

Dinner may not be as frequent with your roommates as it is with your family, but you still try and fit in a "family" dinner every now and then. This is when you all decide to put your mediocre cooking skills to the test and create a dinner consisting of an old box of pasta and some off brand breadsticks. But you're still thankful for it because it's better than eating ramen. Eating together is something you all look forward to and there's always an interesting table conversation.

3. You still have someone to cry and complain to..

Just like your real family, your roommates have no choice but to listen to your oh so dramatic life, that is just "so terrible and hectic." No matter what time of the day, or night, your roommates are always there with an ear ready to listen to you or cry with you...or both.

4. You still get told that "you need to clean up"..

Even though your actual mom isn't there to tell you to clean up, your roommate mom is. Leave a dish out for a little too long and you're going to hear about it. You even feel like you're in trouble when they tell you to clean up, but you don't dare talk back. You really are thankful for this person though, because one day when you're actually living on your own you'll know how to use the dishwasher.

5. You still get Christmas and or any other holiday/birthday presents..

You really do want your roommates to know how much they mean to you, so you wouldn't dare miss a birthday or Christmas present. This is something that makes celebrations a little more special when you're not able to go home and celebrate with your family.

So even if going away to college may be a little scary and new, just know you'll always have that home away from home with your college roommates.