I always used to hear friends complain about living next to the train tracks in Tuscaloosa. It seemed like it was hell on earth. A few weeks ago I moved into a new apartment right next to a set of train tracks. When I say set, I mean like 4 separate tracks are right outside my window, and when I say right outside my window I mean roughly 50 feet away. Honestly, I don't see what the big deal is. I can think of six reasons why living next to trains is an awesome thing.

1. It can help you tell the time

You can use the trains to train your internal clock! When I feel the ground start to gently shake at night I know it's probably time to go to bed. Then when I wake up screaming in the middle of the night and run to the window to check on the train car that should be in flames, I know it's 3 a.m. This means that no, two reckless trains did not have a head on collision but actually just make that noise in the middle of the night.

2. It keeps you from sleeping in

Speaking of helping you manage your time, they will make sure you are awake in the morning. There's no way you can sleep past your alarm if you live next to railways because Thomas the Tank Engine busts past your apartment, slamming down the horn, an hour before you were supposed to wake up. And again 30 minutes before and probably 15 minutes before. By the time it's 7:00 a.m. you've already been up for two hours!

3. It's a good reminder that you aren't alone

If you live by yourself or your roommates are away, it can get lonely sometimes. Well give it 20 minutes and you can count on the train barreling by your room to remind you that there is another soul out there and they drive a train.

4. It lowers your living standards

By the time you move away from that place you definitely won't be as picky. High ceilings? utilities included? Nah, really only care about being far far away from any train.

5. Where else can you get a free back massage

Depending on what time of night it is if you lay on the ground directly next to your train-facing wall then you can feel some very relaxing but brief vibrations.

6. Manages your stress

You know those hectic mornings where you are late for work or class, pull out of your apartment building, and then have to stop because a 5 mile long train is on it's morning run right through your route to work? They do that so you can have a second to breathe, reflect on your life, and then when you finally get to where you are going you have an excuse for being late.

Don't you believe me now? I bet you are running to sign your lease at University House as we speak.