I am about two weeks into my first year of college, and it has been quite a change. I started to think how campus life creates a bubble around us. I have my food, classes, and bed all within a mile radius of me. And though I could if I wanted, there is no reason for me to go to the “outside world.” Sure, college is a totally different lifestyle, but I didn't realize how much would change. As I thought about it more, there are little things at home that disappear once we are at school.

1. Gas Prices

Yes, it is nice to know if you are in touch with the news. However, this was a big part of my life at home. I always knew what the price of gas and the best day to get it. I knew when it was most likely to rise, and what day of the week it was really cheap. Now, I don’t have a car, and there is no gas station that I regularly pass anymore. It is odd that something that was a part of my daily routine is gone because I no longer need it.

2. Silverware/Dishes

My dining hall provides silverware for us, but usually I get something that doesn’t require a utensil. When I make coffee back in my dorm room, I use plastic silverware. I have no use for real silverware anymore! I never thought this was a big deal, but using disposable utensils is odd. I went through three spoons one morning just trying to make some breakfast. Plus, the dining halls do the dishes for you. No more “do the dishes” chores. That is a huge positive, but a strange change from home.

Tip: Bring a small dish soap bottle to school. Just in case you have dishes, like a coffee mug, to wash out. I use my bathroom sink to wash my mugs.

3. The Weather of My Home Town

I changed my location on my phone so my weather app shows Columbia, Miss. I only care about the weather here, and I have no idea what the weather will be like at home. It is always important to know the week’s forecast, but now that I am away I am totally indifferent. It could be raining, hot, or cold at home, and I wouldn't know. It is funny how this little piece of information that used to be valuable for your day is pointless now.

4. Radio Stations

At home, I would drive all the time. I had set radio stations, and I knew what type of music to expect on each one. Now, I don’t have to drive at all. I have no idea what type of radio stations are down here. Nor, do I even have a radio to listen to them. I think I miss this the most. A part of you was the radio station that you listened to in the car. People knew you had the same type of music taste as you just by your presets. How will I be able to hear new music casually anymore?

5. Candles

These are not allowed in the dorm room for obvious and reasonable reasons, but I love candles. They create a calming aroma that makes a room feel a little more “homey.” I currently have electric candles in my room right now, but it’s not the same. Just think that fall candle that your mom always lights, and you walk into the room and you just know it’s a change of seasons. Yeah, now it’s gone. I want to walk into my dorm room and get hit with a nice ocean breeze, or apple pie (the smell, not literally). But for now, I will have to stick with dryer sheets hung over my fan.

There are ways around each of these small changes. However, I wanted to share how little details added up can be a big change. College life is different, but these disappearances leave room for new small details to enter your life. There will be little pieces of campus that you will realize make an impact on your day. It’s all a part of getting used to a new home, and though I am sad these things are not a regular part of my life anymore, I am excited to find new comforts in college.