I don’t know exactly why I did it. A chance to enjoy some peace and quiet, unlimited pool access or a deep dread of packing up my apartment. Most of all, my lease was for 12 months, so I was still paying for my place even if I wasn’t staying there. Regardless of my reasoning, I didn’t leave my lovely college town after exams ended. Almost all of my friends left, even my roommates. I planned on riding out the summer in a haze of friends, Ramen noodles and tanning oil.

The last of the dorms shut down almost a month ago. While summer is just now getting started, I’ve already learned plenty about what it means to be the lone survivor stuck in the wasteland of summer. Here are nine things that happen when you stay in your college town during summer vacation.

1. There’s still a ton of people here.

Everyone had the same idea as you. As you get older and farther into your collegiate career, the more likely this is to happen. Not only do you know more people, but they will have established themselves, and have jobs and houses near your college. As empty as campus might feel, it is far from abandoned.

2. You'll see a huge separation between those who are taking classes and those who aren’t.

While most people are working or interning, there is a percentage of students who are furthering their education and taking summer courses. It’s surreal to call your friend and ask if they want to go DT only for them to say they have a test tomorrow. Not everyone gets three months off to make beer money and lose weight, so you have to work around classes if you want to see those friends. This is also a constant reminder that very soon you’ll be back to the grind of school.

3. You’ll grow so much closer to the friends you have.

Despite some scheduling conflicts, summer allows you to grow extremely close to those left in town. When your friend group is limited, you’re allowed to deepen the bond with a smaller circle. Summer also means beautiful weather and more free time, so there are more opportunities to spend quality time with your friends doing fun things. You’ll find yourself being more social and making lasting bonds with those around you.

4. You’ll have alone time. Enjoy it.

When you’re not making friends or working, you’ll have a lot of time to yourself. Summer not only gives you a break from classes, but also the stress and anxiety that come along with your studies. Take this time to become a better version of yourself. Work on your mental and physical health, and take plenty of time to relax before another stressful semester rolls around. There are not many opportunities for quiet time in college, so appreciate this chance to be alone and at peace.

5. There will still be a lot of new people to meet.

With many of your friends out of town, you’ll have space and time to grow your circle. As scary and difficult as this sounds, by just doing the things you normally do you’ll run into a plethora of new faces. Instead of a sea of young people, every college-aged individual you meet will be memorable and thus you’ll be more likely to take an interest in them. Having new and well-rounded friends makes your college experience that much better.

6. You get to explore the non-college part of your college town.

As self-sufficient as campus seems, the greater community around your college is rich in opportunities and experiences. Even if the area surrounding your university is small, there is still lots to explore. This time to explore gives you an edge over everyone else. By fall you’ll know all of the cool restaurants and bars that aren’t walking distance from campus, and you’ll be able to impress your new and old friends with your fresh understanding of your town.

7. You get to cringe as you watch the new freshman go through orientation.

They’re so bright-eyed and hopeful, just as you once were. They’ve never dated a frat boy. They don’t yet have a nicotine addiction. They probably have a 4.0. All of that will change oh so soon, and you know it. As soon as August rolls around their lives will change forever, but you get to witness them in their naive state as they explore campus for the very first time.

8. You’re now a spokesperson/tour guide.

While students think they’re too cool to ask questions, parents aren’t. If you make the mistake of being within a hundred feet of an orientation or tour group, get ready to be asked about everything your campus and town has to offer. Do you like it here? Does greek life haze? Where’s the best place to eat? You better have answers prepared.

9. You'll too appreciate your campus so much more.

Between classes and friends it’s easy to forget about the backdrop for all of your amazing college adventures. Having some quiet time in the summer lets you reflect on how beautiful your university really is. You then can fully understand that it’s not only the classes and the people that make college home, but the campus itsels is the glue that sticks it all together.