Since becoming a college student, I have realized that having friends or family come visit you at school is one of the best feelings. It can occasionally begin to feel like we have nothing to look forward to besides being done with a big exam or project, so getting to spend time with loved ones, going out for meals and exploring the area can be exactly what we need.

1. You talk about it for weeks

As college students, sometimes it can feel like there are not very many things to look forward to. Whenever I have family or friends coming for a visit, I am excited and talk about it for weeks on end.

2. You get to play tour guide

It is so much fun to show your campus to those who have never seen it and play tour guide for a day, showing them everything from fun hangout spots to your dorm room.

3. But you also get to play tourist

One of the best parts about people visiting you at college is the fact that you probably now have access to their car and you can finally get off campus. Every time I have a visitor, I get to visit places I have never been and make amazing memories.

4. You eat more than ever

Trying out many local restaurants goes along with the role of playing tourist for the weekend. I feel like I eat way too much when I have people visit, but I do not regret it once I get back to dining hall food for three meals a day.

5. Once they are gone, you hate the dining hall even more

People visit and wonder why you are so excited to go out for every meal and skip the dining hall completely. I never really hated or had too much of a grudge against the dining hall food, but after a weekend of eating out, I cannot say I missed it.

6. You try and fit in everything you can

As a natural organizer, I love creating an itinerary or at least a list of things I would like to do when people visit, and it is almost always completely unrealistic. I find myself waking up early and going to sleep late when I have a visitor because there are not enough hours in a day, but I would not want visits to go any other way.

7. You miss them as soon as they leave

As soon as my family or friends say their goodbyes and leave campus to head home, I immediately begin reflecting on the time we had and all of the new memories we created. I often find myself wanting to text or call them soon after they leave.

8. You feel so grateful

After the people visiting me leave, I realize how grateful I am that they cared enough about me to drive such a long distance just to come spend a few short days with me. It is so special and leaves me feeling extremely loved.