As we all go off to college, it's so easy to become wrapped up in this little world with people our own age surrounded by tests, stress, wild nights, crazy excursions, and people we will never forget. It's in our weakest moments of stress when it seems like you could fall apart along with everything around you, we tend to reflect on home longingly wishing to be there. Being an out of state student who lives away for the majority of the year, there are many things I have come to appreciate about being home that I used to take for granted.
1. My room
As cheesy as it sounds, having my childhood room surrounded with my favorite things, my own bed, and everything that makes me feel at ease is something that never gets old or doesn't stop being comforting at whatever age I am. Plus, being in your own room means you never have to wake up and wonder who your roommates may have brought home with them this weekend.
2. My car
Words cannot express how much I miss my truck. No matter what you drive, not having your car at college is definitely a first world problem, but boy it is nice to go home and take it for that first spin.
3. Momma's cookin'
Even if your momma's cookin' is Bojangles, it's not campus food so it's near and dear to your heart no matter what.
4. An early bedtime
There's something so entirely satisfying about going to bed early knowing there's nothing to turn in that night, no class to get up for in the morning, and no dining hall to eat the following morning.
5. Pity cash
Grandma, Dad, or maybe some distant cousin automatically pities you because you're a "broke college kid" and if you're lucky enough this could result in an extra $10 here or there and it is all appreciated.
6. A job
Ironic, but working all summer is nice in the respect that you can, for the most part, swipe your debit card knowing you have some spending money.
7. Everyone you miss at home is finally in your grasp
All those people you miss when you're away are finally within your reach and it's so relieving to be able to see them. Even when your friends are all over the country and you may not speak for months, coming home and picking up where you left off is one of my favorite parts about being home.
8. Down time
A rare, rare occasion for someone with a busy schedule. A day where you can sit and do absolutely nothing is something I cherish and definitely make a point to take advantage of when I have the opportunity.
9. Pets
Your dog, six cats, two goldfish, and other small farm animals can all be reached at home when you can't bring them to school. For some people, their dog is the light of their life so coming home to that fluffy ball of love is more than comforting.
10. Your roots
Whether or not this is positive or negative for some people I think it's important to always remember where you came from. Having people who get you, make you feel comfortable, and remind you who you want to be is something not everyone gets in college so going home can be the perfect way to remember your roots again.
