Going away for college seems like the greatest idea in the history of the universe when you're walking around the halls of your high school watching weird freshman couples make out in front of their lockers or listening to the most annoying group of girls gossip about that boy who every pretty girl in school seems to take a turn with, right?

I'm not here to tell you that going away for college is a bad thing because it is not. I'm just simply here to warn you about the little things you're actually going to really miss that you take for granted everyday living at home while going to that school full of backstabbers and cliques. So instead of thinking about leaving right away and not worrying about anything else, take a step back to appreciate these things while you still have them here at home.

1) Home Cooked Meals

This has got to be number one. Don't get me wrong, I've heard about the "freshman 15" that every college freshman is destined to gain from lack of money, time, energy, ambition, skills, etc. This isn't a lie. It's not only hard to cook in general, but it's especially hard to cook when you don't have easy access to a working stove or oven, and only have access to a microwave your parents sent with you that is great for getting you a quick Ramen Noodle dinner on the fly. If your mom makes chicken with mashed potatoes EAT IT because it may be the last time you see either until Thanksgiving Break.

2) Your Family

If you don't have a good relationship with your family, I am sorry. Even if you don't, I still believe it's possible that you will miss someone or something about your family when you go without them for awhile. The little things family members do for you are nonexistent in college, and I can assure you that you will end up missing random hugs from them when you need them the most.

3) Friends

This is arguably the most important heartache starter you'll have in college. At least it was for me. When I chose to move three hours away where I didn't have any connections from home wasn't on accident. I did it to force myself to find friends, step out of my comfort zone, and it's working slowly but surely. There are many times though that I'll see a post from my friends back home all having fun with each other and I want nothing more than to be having fun with them. I'm giving you a warning; don't take your friends back home for granted because sadly college tears friendships apart and weakens them faster than anything else. So this summer: pull all nighters, eat lots of popcorn and cookie dough while watching Disney movies, bike ride through the park, anything because you'll miss it when it's not 5 minutes away from you anymore.

4) Your pet(s).

This one is almost as important as #3. I knew being away from my pet (also my best friend) would be difficult, but the fact that kitty cuddles aren't just a kitty call away when you've had a bad day is one of the hardest parts. (Or puppy cuddles if you're a dog lover). Cherish the annoyance of letting them out so they can go to the bathroom or feeding them at the crack of dawn when they're sticking their paw in your face telling you to wake up in their loudest meow. YOU'LL MISS THIS.

5) Your Privacy.

Not saying that you won't have quiet places available in college, but at times they're very hard to come by. There's always people, everywhere. Whether you're going to the bathroom or in line for a coffee, or just trying to read a book in the library, there's always going to be people, and usually a lot of them. So value your privacy while you can.

6) Quiet.

You'll hear intoxicated people running up and down the halls at 3 am while you're trying to sleep before a big exam or the college construction people up and at it at no later than 8 am working on the next building addition. This will happen. I can promise you.

7) High School Sporting Events

If you're not into that now, then you have nothing to worry about. However, if you're the student who participates passionately in every theme for game day or makes a sign for your favorite player or even wears a boy's jersey on Friday night games, you'll miss this. A LOT. In college there's great sporting events, don't get me wrong! But there's just something about high school games that are just so hype that nothing will compare. Cherish every game under the lights, or courtside!

8) Being Able to Walk Around Naked

Now that I think about it, this is arguably the most important thing you'll miss about home. I mean, you could walk around your college dorm room naked if you're comfortable with your roommate(s) or you live alone, but chances of this are slim to none. So with this I warn you, turn that Justin Timberlake jam up all the way it can go and enjoy being able to sing loudly and walk to the fridge to get a snack with no clothes on while no one is home (this sounds weird but I know some of you have done this) because you'll miss opportunities like this when they're gone!

Going away from college is a GOOD THING. Just remember these eight things from home and cherish them while you can.