During the last few weeks of the previous semester, I couldn't contain my excitement for summer. Finally, I would be able to do what I wanted, when I wanted to. Oh the opportunities: long naps, Netflix, seeing new places, Netflix, being with my friends and family, Netflix. Did I mention watching my favorite shows on a great streaming website called NETFLIX? Anyways, being home for the summer has been a blast and more, but I can't help but recall everything I miss from my time in college.

1) A routine

In college, it seemed like every day I had something to do, whereas now....I'm bored. A lot. In college, I was practically drowning in my to-do list. There was always homework to finish or a test to study for, not to mention a tiring job on the side. You can bet I was definitely craving summertime; but now, here I am dying for anything to scribble into my planner.

2) Union food

Just as much as I was tired of schoolwork I was tired of the Student Union food. I was basically eating the same thing every week, just on a different day. Hmmm I know, I'll eat Chick-fil-a on Monday, and have Subway tomorrow! You know, just to mix it up and be a little crazy. Coming back for the summer to a home-cooked meal was great, and I love going out to dinner with my close friends to local restaurants. However, as tired as I became of that mundane Union food everyday, I can't help but miss all the free, delicious options. I also cringe a little now when pulling up to the window at Chick-fil-a when I can't give them my student ID to pay with.

3) Being in shape

Wow, oh wow. They say college is to blame for the "freshmen 15" but I blame it on coming back home, for sure. In college, I was walking to my classes, had access to the free UREC, climbed stairs, and ate a small pack of mac-n-cheese every single day. Now, I come back home and can't wait to dig into all the delicious restaurants I have been missing out on, which are usually not the healthiest. It's just bad news.

4) Special events

Back at college, it seemed like there was always a party, formal, or some occasion to look forward to during the school week. Whether it was just a Saturday night out or exchanges, something was right around the corner to brighten my mood or rescue me from unsurpassed amounts of work. Now that I'm bored, of course these fun times are all I can think of.

5) My own place

*Alert, Alert, this is NOT to diss my family or my house* As much as I love my family and being home in my favorite hometown, having my own apartment is just one of the many great perks to living in college. As college students, it's in our blood to want independence, freedom, and a place to call our own.

6) Campus

Is it so strange to simply miss walking around on campus during a beautiful sunny day? Often, after acing a test or nailing a presentation, I would stroll around campus just feeling so damn grateful for my university. Seeing familiar faces around me and knowing that everything I needed was right there at my fingertips just made it all the more special. Campus is truly a community within a community.

7) All my new friends

When finally leaving for the summer, I didn't just leave my university behind. I left so many new people that I grew to know and love. We’re all spread apart now using texting as our only way of communication, and there's the occasional visit if we're lucky. More than anything else, I can’t wait to get back and see all my long-lost friends once summer ends.

Although I love summer and the relaxation it brings, this particular season has taught me just how much I love my university and the people along with it. People do say you don't realize how good something is until it’s gone.

I just can’t wait to get it back.