When I started at The Ohio State University, as an incoming freshman this past August, I never thought that I would soon consider this place home. I will never forget the first time I was talking to my mom about planning my flights for Fall Break and I referred to Ohio State as “home,” instead of “home” being where I actually am from, New York. She was so offended that I had found a new place had so quickly replaced where I had grown up, but also a wave of relief washed over her— knowing that I was happy at school and had found people and places to make me comfortable. The one thing that I would always say when getting off the phone with my parents was, “This is my happy place.” My mom later got me a wooden plaque with the saying, that now hangs above my bed. In just a few short weeks, I will be leaving my “home,” and returning to my hometown. Things I’ll miss while away from school for the summer are:
1. My friends
These are the people who have been there for me since the beginning of school. Going to college for the first time isn’t easy, especially if you’re going far from home. Coming from New York, there would be no, “Hey mom, can I come home for the weekend?” Flights are expensive, and of course, the FOMO I would have would be unlike any other.
2. My ~college~ bed
Weirdly enough, my school bed has become one of my favorite things here at OSU. My mom hooked me up with a ginormous foam pad and lots of pillows to make me feel comfortable. The one thing I won’t miss though is having my mattress slip off my Twin XL size bed—the one at home stays on much better!
3. The places to eat on campus
Surprisingly the food at Ohio State isn’t half bad! There are so many places to eat, from dining halls such as Kcom and Scott; to mini markets such as the Union and Marketplace. My mom is not the best cook, so we order in a lot. Ordering in is nice, but it requires someone going out to pick it up. Hey, maybe the food isn’t amazing on OSU’s campus, but the get an A+ for convenience. I will for sure miss the ability to walk in the underground tunnels to Kennedy Commons in a sweatshirt and shorts while everyone else outside is in winter parkas and snow boots.
4. Tapingo and Postmates
Number three brings me to number four. I had no idea what these apps were until I got to college, but let me tell you, they’re live savers! Having the ability to order whatever, whenever; whether you’re sitting in Thompson or chilling in your bed, Tapingo and Postmates always got your back. It’s especially nice when someone has a discount code!
5. The construction all over campus
This one is a little sarcastic. To be quite honest, I’m not sure who’s bright idea it was to do all the construction that needs to be done in Columbus in less than a month, but whoever it was really needs to be spoken to. Every-where you look at OSU there’s fences up with sandbags and construction signs. It started with Mirror Lake and some buildings surrounding it, but just exploded from there. The construction even branched out to high street this past week, blocking off half of the major road—talk about inconvenient. But here I am, living in Paterson, the oldest dorm on campus, with no AC, and no plans for construction or renovations!
6. The View from the 11th Floor of Thompson
The view from the eleventh floor of Thompson is unlike any other. Yes of course, it does take about 10 years to get an elevator to go all the way up there, but the view is definitely worth it. If you’re impatient, at least go to floor nine or ten, because you can see the view, but the window panes are somewhat in the way. If you’ve never seen the view from the top floor, I strongly recommend you check it out—especially if you have a visitor for the weekend, considering OSU, it’s a huge selling point!
7. Having all your friends within a two-minute walk away
Well, here it is. The dreaded, probably number one reason, you will miss being at school. No matter what, your friends will be your friends, except its much different when you can go hang out with them any time you want instead of having to send a text. For some of us, our new life-long friends will be living miles away, some even across the country. But hey, at least we have FaceTime!
8. The RPAC (and JO South)
Okay so there’s bound to be debate on this one but I’ll start with the RPAC. You will definitely miss having a state of the art facility to workout in. Also, if you’re anything like me you’ll miss their smoothies, acai bowls, and the famous taco salad. In addition, if you’re also like me, you feel indebted to JO South. This is the smaller, less beautiful gym located on South Campus. If you go there you get it, it feels like home and is filled with familiar faces. What could be better?
9. The dogs on The Oval
This one is pretty self-explanatory but I’ll help you out. Dogs on The Oval. All different shapes and sizes. From Golden Retrievers’ to baby Pitbull’s, The Main Oval sees it all. Especially as the weather starts to get nicer, more and more puppies will be out to play, so keep an eye out!
10. The school spirit
This sounds cliché but it’s so true. Ohio State has over 50,000 people that attend this university, and every single one of them bleeds Scarlet and Grey. No matter wherever you are or who you are with, every “O-H” will get an “I-O,” and you will always feel a part of something bigger. Ohio State students are some of the most inclusive students you’ll ever meet, and I know this from talking to my friends who attend other universities. Always remember, even though you may be home for the summer like me, wherever you are—you’ll always be a Buckeye.
