This past week, I moved into my first apartment. What I didn't realize though, was just how hard it was going to be.

I spent the entire summer preparing. I bought a bed and a desk, a kitchen table and a TV. I set up the water bill and the electricity bill. I practiced making meals in preparation for the school year. Before I even knew it, it was move-in day.

I helped load up the U-haul and said goodbye to my dog. I spent the entire day lugging up two flights of stairs what seemed to be an endless amount of furniture. I hung my clothes in the closet and put groceries in the fridge.

And then I'm still not finished with my apartment.

I forgot pillows, facial wash, and a Swiffer mop. I realized I needed an extension cord, a rug, and a different TV stand. And I had absolutely no idea how I was going to make all our kitchen stuff fit in our limited cabinets.

But throughout the stress of moving in, I couldn't help but feel the excitement.

I'm excited to be on my own. I'm excited to have my own space. I'm excited to not have to deal with residential hall restrictions or community bathrooms. I'm excited to be able to cook my own meals. I'm excited to have my car with me.

And I'm excited to be back in the Classic City with my favorite people.

Go dawgs!