Being back at home for the holidays has been so nice. I’ve been able to relax, eat “real” food, go to my home church, travel familiar roads, and see old friends. As much as I love being at home for this long amount of time, sitting around doing the same thing over and over again can get quite boring. Although SBU students are very blessed with a six week break, unlike other universities, all my friends are back at school, which leaves me sitting around the house doing nothing. As I was talking to some of my friends back at SBU, here are some of the top four things we miss about being back at SBU.

4. Mellers

As much as we hate to admit it, we all miss Mellers. We miss being able to go to breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time every day with the same people. We miss complaining about how much we hate the food, or standing in the long line on pasta day. I know for me; I miss being able to share a meal with my friends and boyfriend at five o’clock every night before my night becomes crazy busy.

3. Classes and Teachers

Although this long break has been nice to relax, catch up on sleep and get a break from school, I miss being in the classroom. I miss learning alongside some of the most intelligent and Christ-like people I’ve ever met. I miss the hustle and bustle of trying to write a three-page paper at midnight, or cramming for the test you forgot about. I miss learning from some of the coolest and most caring professors out there. I’m looking forward to a brand new start this semester.

2. Late Night Trips

For me, I live in small town USA where there is absolutely nothing to do on the weekends, let alone on week nights. The nearest “big city” is an hour away, therefore, I don’t go too often. I miss living in a town where there are multiple fast food restaurants open late at night. I miss my roommates saying at eight o’clock at night, “Hey, get in the car, we’re taking a trip to Springfield for donuts.” I miss living not even five minutes away from a Walmart and making a Walmart trip just to have fun. I miss getting weekly Creator Delights. I miss spontaneous trips to the bowling alley in our pajamas. I can’t wait to get back and go on more spontaneous trips.

1. Dorm Life

One of the best aspects of SBU or just college life in general, is living in the dorm. It’s so nice to be able to live in a community with people. They become family. I miss getting ready in the morning with my roommates. I miss going down the hall and sitting in the 4^th floor study lobby talking, playing games, and painting with the girls on the fourth floor. I miss snuggling up on the couch and watching a movie or an episode or two. I miss the freedom of doing what you want whenever you want and no one judging.

As much as I love being home, I can’t wait to get back to SBU and experience another semester of fellowship, learning and loving life. Here’s to round two of sophomore year!