While there are thousands reasons being home can be the greatest thing in the world, there are just as many reasons being at Syracuse University would be ideal. Over the past year at college, I have finally found a place I can call my second home. Whether it is simply walking to class or being out late at night with my friends, the campus that I am able to call my own has become something so close to me.

1. The community feel

The school itself has a walking aroma of orange and blue and pride. Regardless if a crazy basketball or football game is in action, there is never a moment you won't see someone somewhere not wearing a CUSE jersey or sweatshirt, or repping the colors of our school. We continuously are bleeding orange, as many would say, and do it all throughout the year.

Coming home to a small town with not much spirit or attitude is extremely different than the type of atmosphere that Syracuse has.

2. The people

Finding friends and people from all over the country and even some close to me (New Jersey) is something that made me open my eyes to our world a little more. Meeting different types of people with different personalities because of where they grew up is something that many people aren't exposed to in life.

Syracuse is a very diverse school with thousands of different students with millions of cultures and hometowns. There is never someone you will meet that will be exactly like yourself.

3. The location

Syracuse might be located in the the upstate area of New York, which might seem far away from any sort of ocean or big city, however, there is endless options of things to do all around the city. Being a freshman, I looked for anything to do outside of campus always.

Downtown in Armory Square, about 10 minutes off campus, were many different popular stores, famous restaurants, hotels for families to stay and bars for nights out. On campus, you could find a few Syracuse Fan stores, Starbucks, Chipotle and local clothing stores and food shops.

Without these little hidden treasures on campus that aren't able to be found at other schools, Syracuse wouldn't be the same.

4. The amazing education

While I could've chosen any other school in America, all I could think about is how amazing Syracuse seems to everyone who either knows someone there or went there themselves. Syracuse has alumni who link you to jobs and different businesses that are willing to help any student out simply for going to Syracuse.

The different top-notch schools at Syracuse, especially the Newhouse School of Public Communications and The Whitman School of Management, all offer extremely talented professors and educators to provide the best well-round education. Through the study labs, tutoring, the Writing Center, my education at this school couldn't be more perfect.

5. The fun

While being home and hanging out with friends does seem ideal after a long year of studying, Syracuse seems to balance a great school and an insanely fun time. Over the past few years, Syracuse has been constantly ranked as one of the Top Party Schools in America, as well as having Greek Life, which takes a toll in the partying as well.

Through DJ's on The Hill and plenty of fraternities to go to late at night, the nightlife at Syracuse definitely can't offer anymore.