Having to leave my home in Brooklyn, New York to go away to school at Providence College was one of the biggest transitions I've ever had to make in my life thus far. I love Providence, but let's be real, it's not Brooklyn. My friends at school always tease me because of how often I talk about how amazing Brooklyn is, but trust me, it's a pretty special place. Even if you're not from Brooklyn, everyone can relate to the fact that although you may love where you go to school or live now, it will never be like your home. I could definitely explain how I pretty much miss everything about Brooklyn, but I'll keep this list a reasonable length. Here are the top ten things I miss about Brooklyn whenever I leave.

1. Being able to walk everywhere.

I'll never forget the expressions on my friends' faces when I told them I didn't have my driver's license (and still don't) when I started college last year. They all come from more suburban areas where being able to drive is an absolute necessity. One of the best aspects of living in Brooklyn is being able to walk pretty much anywhere you need to go. If you can't walk to reach your destination, there are so many other ways to get there as well- subway, bus, etc.

2. PIZZA!!!

Any pizza from anywhere other than Brooklyn, shouldn't even call itself pizza. Everyone always asks me how Providence pizza compares to Brooklyn pizza, and I always explain how I can't even compare the two. Brooklyn has pizza and everywhere else has something that kind of looks like pizza, but just doesn't quite match up. Get out, pizza imposter.

3. The corner delis.

They're in walking distance, can be found on at least every other corner, and have all your basic needs- perfect.

4. Your stoop (and your neighbors' stoops).

Nothing more typical of a Brooklynite than to share memories with neighbors while sitting out on the stoop. I've had some great summer nights sitting out on our steps with my young neighbors and waiting for the ice cream truck to stop on our street.

5. Bagels (and bagel stores).

I'm still not exactly sure why this is, but Brooklyn bagels are the best kind of bagels in existence. End of story. However, bagels in other parts of New York near Brooklyn are a pretty close second. Bagel stores are always a fun place to be because they're usually crazy and filled with people screaming over each other to place and pick up their orders.

6. Italian bakeries.

What's better than the smell of zeppoli, gelato and cannoli spreading all over the bakery and even out to the sidewalk? NOTHING. I miss walking in and seeing the numerous rows of pastries and shelves of freshly baked loaves of bread.

7. Cheap nail salons.

$7 manicure and $13 pedicure? Sounds just right to me. It completely blows my mind how people spend $40+ at nail salons outside of Brooklyn.

8. Being so close to NYC.

It's so weird being in New England where Boston is what everyone is referring to when they say "the city." When you say this phrase in Brooklyn, you're talking about Manhattan. There have been multiple occasions in which I'll use this phrase referring to Manhattan, but people assume I mean Boston. No, I do not mean Boston. Nope.

9. Chinese take-out restaurants.

Although they may look sketchy from the outside, there is something special about dinner from an authentic Chinese take-out restaurant, especially one that takes under 15 minutes to deliver. The food is good and the delivery is incredibly fast. They really come in handy when you're sick and need some chicken and rice soup ASAP.

10. Block parties.

There is truly nothing like a Brooklyn block party at the end of the summer. My neighbors, friends, family and I have made some of our greatest memories at these block parties and I miss them so much. Unfortunately, I've been unable to attend the ones held in the last two years because I've been already moved into school when they took place.

Thanks for everything, Brooklyn. I'm so proud to call you home and am looking forward to seeing you soon.