1. Off-Campus really is... OFF CAMPUS.

I know not ALL sophomores choose to live off-campus their second year, but I did. Now, I don't know who allowed me to do so without a car. Of course, there are shuttles, friends with cars and even... your legs. However, I was used to getting up 10 minutes before class and still making it five minutes early. So, planning my commutes ahead of time has now become part of my daily routine. Also, simple things like club meetings and going to the library are now tasks you have to plan ahead of time and plan out transportation rather than just deciding last minute you will be attending.

2. I miss my meal plan.

Oh my glorious meal plan, a cafeteria across the street that fed me. Now, I provide for myself, and again with no car, have to go get groceries. Not only do I have to depend on myself to buy food but I usually have to cook it. Now, going to the cafeteria makes me feel nothing but guilt when I spend money while I can eat for free. However, since I walk, I sometimes don't even have time to go home and eat and come back. Sounds like there is going to be some meal prep in my future alongside a grocery list that I will hopefully learn to stick to; maybe even a cooking class or two.

3. The library is my second home.

Again, considering I usually walk from campus and back, and I am too lazy to wait for shuttles throughout the day, I usually spend my breaks between classes in the library. This might be one of my best decisions to date. Now, I get homework done earlier instead of going home and laying in bed with Netflix between classes.

4. Time with friends means more.

Now that we're not all crammed into dorm rooms together, or within 10-minute walking distances, hanging out with friends or small lunch meetups not only mean more, but they require actual effort. Now I know what friendships I had made purely out of convenience and which ones are sticking around.

5. Freedom!

I didn't mind leaving with a roommate last year, but I really am absolutely loving having my own room and space to do whatever I please. I don't have to ask permission for people to come over or plan ahead just in case my roommate had ideas of her own. Now, we have our own space to host lots more people, not worry about disturbing the rest of the floor or running out of space or even signing people in at the front desk. However, with freedom comes more responsibility considering you have to manage everything in your apartment and if anything goes wrong, direct blame is on YOU.