I knew leaving my college friends of nine months would be difficult. People warned me of that before I arrived at the dorms for the first time.

We became ridiculously close for the mere sake that we went through the daunting task of figuring out how to live without constant guidance, together.

But no one ever told me I would have a Bucky shaped hole in my heart from missing my favorite city after being gone for only a little over a week.

I miss the simplest of joys that come along with attending school in my favorite city.

I miss the feeling of success from snagging a table at the Terrace even if it means waking up a little earlier than normal to get there.

I miss feeling like the most accomplished lazy person for adding a few minutes on to my walking time because I went the most roundabout way to get to class in an effort to avoid walking up Bascom.

First semester, I walked up the hill a total of one time to rub Abe's foot before a final.

I miss the overwhelming amount of red clothing that can be seen every day on campus.

I miss knowing I go to a big school, yet seeing a familiar face every time I leave the comforts of my room.

I miss the bathrooms in the School of Human Ecology and eating entire pints of orange custard with chocolate chips at least once a week.

I long to explore Picnic Point and to grab a slice of cheesy potato pizza from Ian’s.

How am I supposed to have a nice run without Lakeshore Path at my disposal?

I figured my admiration for the city I had grown up dreaming about from an hour away would fade even a little after becoming used to it, but if anything that admiration has grown.

I get the goosebumps every now and then walking around campus thinking to myself, “I really go here."

And for three months, I miss out on the possibility of experiencing the Madison magic.

I won’t see the Capitol every day.

I won’t stare at the sun setting over Lake Mendota and I won’t feel the enjoyment of keen observation of the tactics of frat boys on Langdon.

I love my hometown, but I’ve truly found a comfort in Madison that I have yet to find anywhere else.

If only it were 70 degrees and sunny year round, but then it would always be as crowded as it is the first day they put the coveted colorful chairs.

Come late August, when I can finally move back to the place I feel utterly content, I’ll be anxious to put on my Gameday Bibs and jump around.

I’ll make it a point to jump off a dock into the chilly waters of Lake Mendota, or if I feel like a nice long stroll, Lake Monona.

I’ll make it a point to hang up my hammock, this time without hitting my head and acquiring the fattest goose egg I’ve ever received.

I’ll get my dairy fix in and head to my favorite restaurants for their signature dishes with a side of cheese curds.

Who knows, I may even walk from the edge of Southeast to the Nat, because I may even miss having a class discussion in the farthest building away from my dorm.

I may even miss Sellery, its lingering weird smell and terrifying elevators.

I may even miss the Chemistry Building and its insufficient lighting.

I may even miss the way the elevator in Van Hise makes me just a little bit nauseous every time I use it.

I sound like I’m graduating, when in reality, I’ll just be living an hour away for three short months.

I can do all these things when I get back, but for now, the Bucky shaped hole in my heart lives on.

We may all bleed red, but Badgers eat, breathe and sleep red and white.

University of Wisconsin, never change.

I have to go, but I’ll be back soon.

If you want to be a Bader, just come along with me (in September when I go back).