Once you've completed your freshman year in college, a decision has to be made: will you go home for summer or stay in your college town? For me, I was so excited to go home to South Florida after an interesting year of change and growth in Tallahassee. However, as excited as I am to be home, part of me wants I head back to FSU sooner rather than later.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my family, my puppy, my home, my bedroom, and so much more, but there's something about living on your own and the adult independence that comes with it that makes me miss my college town. It also might be my Tally faves like Madison Social, Pot's, Bagel Bagel, and the Dunkin' on Copeland that make me miss Tallahassee so dearly and is drawing me back to our beloved simulation.
I'd also like to state publicly that I have major FOMO. Seeing all my friends staying up at school for the summer or even seeing some of my younger friends moving in for the first time to start Summer C is really making me feel like I'm missing out on a lot of fun times in Tallahassee. You may not go to Florida State like I do, but I'm sure you can relate this to your college or university when I say that I'm so torn between summers at home and summers at school.
Personally, I have not yet done a summer in Tallahassee. I elected to start my freshman year in the fall so I couldn't hold onto my childhood and my family for a bit longer. This summer, on top of the fact that I wanted to come home, I am moving from a dorm to an apartment. That being said, I don't exactly have a place to live up in Tally which was a major factor in my decision. I'm really enjoying this time with my family and with home comforts, but I think within the next few years I might elect to stay over the summer in my college town.
Being home has had some amazing perks though. For all my college people, you understand the absolute gift a home cooked meal is. Imagine that every day, with the privacy of your own room, a common room that you don't share with your whole floor (meaning you don't have to wear pants, because it's your living room), and no hassle with parking!
Plus, you get to spend quality time with family, pets, and home friends you may not have seen in a while. All of these things, on top of the fact that most college kids come home and work while living rent-free (allowing peak money saving opportunities) really makes coming home for the summer so appealing.
Not to mention, taking a break from your college town is often therapeutic and much needed. I know I needed that break this summer, however, I'm not sure what I will decide for next summer. I definitely think I'll spend at least one summer in my Tallahassee bubble, but until then I'll enjoy my time in South Florida with the people I love in a place that I love so much.
So, consider going back to your hometown as an option next summer, or stay in your little simulation of a college town... your choice!