No one wants to see an end to their summer vacation- no more lying by the beach and tanning, going on exotic trips, hanging out endlessly with friends and family, living in a laid back and stress-free environment. But most college students are excited and ready to be back at school- ready to see their long-distance college friends, go to parties, and be independent again. Being the Type A person that I am, of course I appear ready to be back. All of my stuff was packed and organized, I purchased my textbooks and school supplies early, and even contacted a professor over the summer break with a question. Yet no part of me feels ready to be back at school for my sophomore year of college, and here’s why:

1. I just haven’t found that group of friends yet

Everyone says that college is going to be the best years of your life. You go in with all these expectations, and think college is going to be like how it looks in the movies. You become best friends with your roommate, excel in all your classes, and have the time of your life living away from home for the first time with people that have become friends that will last for a life time. In reality, this is not always the college experience. In fact, it is often far from it. But just because I didn’t love my freshman year of college and didn’t find people I became extremely close with doesn’t mean it won’t happen for me this year.

2. I miss my family

I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, and getting myself up in the morning are all things that come naturally to me, making my transition to college not as difficult as it is for others. But just because I am able to do these things satisfactorily doesn’t make living at school any easier for me than someone who might struggle with these daily chores a little more. I’ve always been a home body and have been extremely close with my family, and even though I only live a half an hour away from home, I miss them when I’m at school. I’ve come to realize that it is perfectly normal and okay to feel that way. It just means that when they come to visit or you go home for a weekend, you get all the home-cooked food you want, laundry is done for you, and often get a little something to let you know that they love and missed you.

3. I'm burnt out from summer

Not everyone has the most relaxing summer filled with doing whatever they want, whenever they want to do it. Some people spend their summers working even harder than they do during the school year, and if you are like me, had to balance a job and taking two summer classes. I’m not ready to wake up early, study intensely, and be extremely stressed out twenty-four seven. But at least starting another semester means you are one step closer to your end goal and future dream job.

4. Going back to dining hall food

Let’s just face it- it’s not like your mom’s home cooked meals that are burning hot and waiting for you on the kitchen table after a long and stressful day. I don’t want to have to walk all the way to the dining hall for a meal that is not always so enjoyable, but if anything, it makes me appreciate my mom and all her hard work, even more, when I’m home.

Remember to keep your head up. A new school year means new opportunities, new ways to get involved on campus, meeting new people, and a fresh start. Just because you haven’t loved school in the past doesn’t mean this year can’t be your year, and maybe, just maybe, by the end of next summer, you’ll be that college student who is excited to be going back to school also.