As this semester of college begins, I’ve realized that there are a lot of things I took for granted while I was living at home in California. Don’t get me wrong, dorm life is a blast and going to school in Hawaii? Even better. Let me tell you, though, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies living on our own out here.

Growing up, we all wanted to be independent. We wanted to be treated like adults and do things on our own. Well, guess what? If I could tell a 10-year-old me anything, I would tell myself to enjoy it all while I can. Here are some of the things I miss the most about being home..

1. Home cooked meals.

While I was home, my mom always made sure I was eating well. I would wake up and go down to the kitchen and ALREADY there was a plethora of food waiting for me.

2. Doing laundry for FREE.

Laundry at home was FREE. No going up 4 floors to the rooftop laundry area, no paying $1.75 per load, and you have access to all the detergent in the world! Thanks mom!

3. Being able to drive my car wherever I want, whenever I want.

Now, although about 40% of the students here have their own car, most of us had left our cars back home saving us about $1200 in car shipping fees. But where does that $1200 go? Uber. Uber to the beach, Uber to the grocery store, UBER. LITERALLY. EVERYWHERE. There really is nothing like having the privilege of having your own car with you.

4. My old bed.

My bed was always my safe place, my happy place. Back home, I had a million pillows always smothering me while I slept. I loved it. Nowadays, my bed consists of two mediocre pillows bought from the school bookstore at the beginning of the year, the hardest twin sized mattress, and the only good thing, my favorite blanket from back home.

5. No RA’s.

I think I could speak for most of the students here when I say Room Advisors are like the mall cops of the dorms. They will bust you for just about anything! No fun allowed!!!

6. Hometown friends.

As much as I wanted to take all my best friends to Hawaii with me, we all went our separate ways for college. I absolutely loved seeing my bestf riends for the holidays. Being so far away from home, you almost lose a part of yourself. Sometimes you just need a familiar face to keep you grounded and I know I can count on my girls for that.

7. AIR CONDITIONING.

One of the things that bums me out about living in Hawaii is the lack of air conditioning as a norm. In California, I was so used to having a central AC on even when it was 60 degrees outside! In Hawaii, you’re lucky if you find a place with AC. You either have to buy your own AC for your room, or like we broke college students do, stock up on fans!!!

8. Getting to cuddle up in my favorite oversized sweaters.

As most people know, Hawaii has a constant temperature of about 80 degrees every day. I miss the days of binge watching Netflix while bundled up in sweaters, leggings, and all the blankets in the house.

9. Having Mom there all the time for whatever I might need.

Whether it be a doctor's appointment, someone to talk to about anything, or even just a good old hug. 2,500 miles is not an ideal distance for those who are best friends with their momma like I am. I guess I’ll always just be mommy’s little girl.

10. Last but never the least, IN N OUT.

I’m pretty sure I had In N Out burger at least 4 times each week while I was home. It was always me and my friends’ go to anytime we were even a little bit hungry. In N Out is always a go. I have yet to find a burger joint as good as In N Out on the island but best believe, when I find something that even comes close to my favorite California guilty pleasure, you’ll be hearing from me.