Summer breaks from college are a weird concept. For the past nine months you’ve lived independently, only to be doomed to the same high school parenting once summer arrives. Above all else, summer break at home is strange for everyone. If any of these tell-tale signs ring true to you, I'd suggest you book your flight back to campus.
1. You constantly bug your college friends
Hopefully, they’ll all still love you after a four-month break full of group-texting and constant begging for FaceTime dates.
2. Dorm rooms start sounding worth it
Your 100-square-foot box of a living space has started seeming ideal, seeing as your friends and roommate come as a package deal with the housing. Sure, having a personal bathroom with real water pressure and privacy is wonderful, but the shenanigans of your floormates make the germs and shower shoes worthwhile.
3. Your friends at home are only a formality
My friends from my high school are great, don’t get me wrong, but they don’t know me like my college buds do. They’ve only seen the manicured final draft of my 10-page papers, not the sleepless night of insanity that is my writing process.
4. Your family pet is the only one that understands you
Their silence and wagging tails give you more comfort than your fully-stocked fridge does anymore. Why get all dressed up to go out with friends, when your dog or cat couldn’t care less how many days you’ve been without showering. At the end of the day, they still adore you.
5. You start counting down the days to move-in before anyone else
Overall, you’re done with your summer job and its pretty waterfront view. Sleeping in doesn’t feel as special anymore. And home-cooked meals are just kind of routine now.
6. You’ve Facebook-stalked your college friends
When you go back to school you’re going to ask them about their granny in Florida, and mention that horrendous Christmas card photo from 2010. Boredom and Facebook are a dangerous combination.
7. Your family is less exciting than they were four months ago
After a school year full to the brim with excursions in your college town, being home with your family just isn't quite as thrilling. Sorry, Mom and Dad.
8. You’ve caught up on your lost nights of sleep
Sleeping in until noon isn’t as much of a luxury anymore. Sometimes, waking up to an alarm might just be the extra push of ambition you need.
9. Netflix has run out of suggestions for you
Let’s be honest, the only reason you still hang out with your friends at home is because they’re a refreshing change from your Netflix screen and the inside of your eyelids.
10. You have both a mental and physical packing list ready
Type A and Type B personalities aside, we’re all thinking about the dorm essentials for another semester. Your notebook has a detailed list of everything from school supplies, to room decor.
11. Having actual school work to do starts sounding appealing
For the first time in a while, some structure in your life sounds intriguing. Maybe if you had some responsibilities, you’d be more fulfilled. Or stressed, but you get the point.
All in all, college towns are the perfect place for college students. Go figure. There's nothing normal about our sardine-like living situations at school, and definitely nothing completely natural about being home on holiday breaks. For the meantime, we trudge forward with our all-nighters, frat parties, and caffeine addictions. Happy dance for the fall semester.
