It's no secret that college students have had to make a single decision that would drastically change their college experience for this fall semester. This decision has literally split opinions down the middle with schools having only about half of their normal student populations on campus. Speaking as someone who sadly made the decision to stay home for the semester, there are a few things I quickly realized I missed, even the little things.
1. Roommates
As much as I complained about sharing a room for the first time in my life, there is definitely something nice about knowing there was always someone there. I think I can speak for the high majority of people when I say that parents aren't always the best roommates, especially when it's "their house their rules". Even if you weren't in the same major it was comforting to know someone was there to listen to all your stories, and maybe even walk across campus to grab some Starbucks no matter what time.
2. The Atmosphere
Any college student will tell you that their college has a "feeling" when walking around the campus, and Penn State is no exception. One of the best things about Penn State is that you can walk anywhere on campus and you feel the sense of "family" or "community". There is truly no feeling like walking up Shortlidge or Bigler Road while it is snowing and you are trying not to slip on any possible ice.
3. The Food
I know, I know college food has such an interesting reputation, and it doesn't matter what school it is, everyone knows what you mean when you say "dining hall food". Though there is something about waiting in line and eating that food that just makes you say "ah yes, I am officially in college", which you can't get that feeling in your own house. Also, going to Taco Bell, well when it was there, or McDonalds at 2am on the weekend is truly a rite of passage for every college student.
4. Social Life
It is very simple: I miss my friends at school. Being an out-of-state student, about 99% of my friends don't live near me or even in my own state, which is a really sad reality. Even just walking to a lecture in the Thomas Building together or messing around in the library when we definitely should've been studying. I love my parents, but we do not have the same social life and I am severely deprived of my normal college social life.
5. Cata Buses
Every student at Penn State has rode a CATA Bus at least once in their college career; it is inevitable. Whether it is snowing and you don't want to break your ankle trying to walk, or you woke up late and your class in over in Westgate and you live in East, the CATA Bus is an experience. There is just something about being stuffed like sardines in a bus and trying to find something to hold onto so you don't fall into the person next to you.
6. Classes
I think I speak for everyone when I say "Zoom University" is not the way to go to school, especially when you are used to being in person. Even though we have all had our share of falling asleep in an hour long lecture at 9am, there just isn't anything like being there. It is very hard to focus on Zoom when there are so many other distractions and it feels so hard to learn the material without the professor physically there. I can definitely say after this, I will never miss another class even if it is an early one.
7. Living Alone
Being back at home, for such a long period of time, just doesn't feel like I'm a college student. It makes me feel like I am back in high school, asking my parents "what's for dinner?" or "do we have plans? I want to do something". Not to mention after being on your own, you figure out your own schedule based on classes or food or even doing your own laundry. It is hard to feel like an adult when you get back into a routine that you were in when you were not one.
8. Sleep Schedules
When I was at school, I stayed up until I fell asleep, even if it was way too early in the morning. While I will admit, it was never the best sleep schedule, it was nice to be able to dictate when I wanted to end my day, even just times to take a shower. I feel that I am living with the most boring roommates (love you guys) because my family goes to sleep so much earlier than me when they need to work the next night. I literally tiptoe around my house to try and get ready for bed because I don't want to be a "bad roommate".
While it is definitely a crazy time, there is such a need to go back to normalcy, and not just for college students. Something the coronavirus has taught everyone is that you don't know what you have until it's gone, and it has been a very hard pill to swallow. Hopefully by next semester, or just 2021 things get better and everyone continues to stay safe!
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