As much as we all love college, let’s face it, there’s plenty of things that make it much better to be home while on break.
A private bathroom.
I’m not sure about anyone else, but sharing a community bathroom with thirty-five other girls is something out of my worst nightmare. It’s so nice to go home and be able to take a shower with everything you’ll need already in it, and not having to run back to your room in your robe after forgetting your shower caddy. (Let’s face it, this happens to the best of us). It’s also nice to be able to wash my face, look in the mirror, and not be surrounded by six other girls brushing their teeth, putting on makeup, or blow-drying their hair.
Friends.
Personally, I’ve gotten even closer to my friends since we’ve graduated high school. Seeing them after weeks away from one another makes our hangouts all the more special. Reminiscing about the times we broke our 10:00 p.m. curfew in seventh grade, to what we did after prom during our senior year, never gets old. There’s something to be said for being with your people, the people who have known you forever, and would go to hell and back if you ever needed it.
Pets.
When I come home from college, I probably smother my dog in snuggles for a good hour-and-a-half after my arrival. I miss having the feeling of a little puppy sleeping at the foot of my bed. At college, all I feel by my feet is a stack of books from the library falling off my bed, along with my laptop, and probably a few syllabi. There’s no better feeling than being at home, snuggling with your pup. (Or cat if you prefer. Or rabbit… or whatever.)
Real food.
The cafeteria at my college was voted one of the worst in America which makes eating on campus all the more e x c i t i n g! Seriously though, home-cooked meals were something I used to dread, but now I crave a nice chicken cutlet weekly, if not on a daily basis. I miss making my own sandwich for lunch and not having to wonder if I’m actually eating mystery meat. There is nothing better than food (not ramen noodles) cooked by your family, friends, and even yourself.
Driving a car.
Whenever I’m frustrated, upset, or angry, I love to go for a nice long drive down by the beach while listening to whatever music fit my mood. As a college student, the best option I can have as a substitute is riding the D-train subway, or going for a walk on campus. (In December in the cold, mind you.) I realize now how much I took driving for granted, and how cool it feels to pick up your friends and just drive.
No shower shoes.
Showering with flip flops on is by far the most bizarre thing I have ever experienced in my entire life. As soon as I get home from college, I run to my shower as if I’m an Olympic track star. Being able to be barefoot in your own shower, not one used by ten other people, is the most beautiful experience. It’s relaxing, it’s soothing, and most of all, it’s sanitary.
Your own bed. (heart eyes emoji)
Don’t get me wrong, my mattress topper has made my twin bed at school decently comfortable, but my bed at home… wow. I’ve taken it for granted. My full size bed now doubles as heaven for me. I’m already counting down the days until finals are finally over and I can lie in my bed for 48 hours straight without a care in the world.
Laundry.
My biggest college pet peeve is when I lug my giant sack of laundry down to the laundry room and every machine is full. Then I lug my dirty clothes back upstairs, only to go back down twenty minutes later to check if a washer has miraculously opened up for my use. At home, I can do my laundry whenever I feel like it. Plus it’s free, and I don’t have to worry about those savages that take your clothes out at the end of the cycle so they can get started. (Not cool.)
Finally, I can rest without wondering if I’m accidentally avoiding sixteen assignments due the next day. There is no better feeling than being able to sit down on the couch, watch a few episodes of "The Office," and realize that you have absolutely nothing due for the next day, let alone after winter break. There are no worries, hakuna matata.
All your clothes are in one place.
There is nothing we college kids hate more than to search through all our under-bed-storage to find the one shirt we want to wear. It’s so annoying to have all my things shoved in little plastic bins because my closet is smaller than my mini fridge. At home, everything is in my dresser, or in my closet. Nothing is in a weird place, and everything is where it should be.
I love my roommate, but sometimes, I just want some alone time. Sometimes I just want to hangout in my room and listen to music without knowing there’s someone five feet away from me at all times watching me and also living in the same tiny room as me. I cherish having my own room at home because I can keep it however I like it, and not have to worry if my mess is infringing on her side of the room, or if I accidentally woke her up while getting ready for my early class.
Not having to walk half a mile through campus to get breakfast.
After a fun night out, all I want in the morning is a nice breakfast to get me ready for the day. Unfortunately, this does not come without effort, because my nearest dining hall is at least a ten minute walk from my dorm. When I’m home, I can roll out of bed in my PJs and grab a bite to eat from my kitchen. At college, I actually have to somewhat get dressed to go get my breakfast. This is even worse when it’s somewhere around thirty degrees in the mornings and I’m forced to walk. Not fun.
Waking up late.
Nothing sucks more than an 8:00 a.m. class. The beautiful thing about home is that there are no 8:00 a.m.s. There usually isn’t even anything to wake up for, at least not before 10:00 a.m. anyway. Sleep has become a privilege while at school, and sleeping in late never comes without its consequences. But at home, you can sleep forever, and nothing bad comes of it.
Netflixing without the guilt.
Netflix isn’t just a website to stream entertainment, it’s a legitimate lifestyle. Once a month I strategically choose a new show to binge watch and become addicted to in a matter of three episodes. I always feel guilty after watching six episodes of "Scandal" in a row instead of working on my research paper, but can you blame a girl? I look forward to lying in my bed and watching some Netflix knowing that it’s the only thing I have to do for the day.
Being home.
