It is that time of year again. College students from all over the world are making the big leap out of the nest and into a more fun, less stressful mock version of adulthood. Some students leaps are just across town, while others are across state lines. Leaving home is great. It teaches independence, responsibility (after getting the wildness of finally having way more freedom than you need out), and makes you more than grateful for your childhood home and all that came with it. Although it is exciting to be on your own, there are a few things that you are going to realize you never thought you'd miss, but you do.

Home cooked meals.

Leaving home, you probably thought it was so exciting to be able to finally not have to eat the five beans your parents forced you to eat no matter how much you wined or eat your grandfathers mystery meat pasta. Having the freedom to eat whatever you want, including ice cream with every meal of the day is incredible... for a little while. Then you'll start to wish your family could mail you your favorite homemade soup, cake and much more. You'll even miss those beans and pasta solely because they weren't just food, they were memories.

Your siblings.

Growing up, it seemed like your sibling's primary purpose of life was to drive you insane. You couldn't wait to get out of the house and away from your clothes stealing, attitude giving siblings. But you didn't realize that you'd miss the whispers after bedtime, the endless giggles and laughter (usually at sake of your own pride), and always having someone there to have your back and understand you. You'll even miss the clothes stealing, the bickering and eye rolls because each part of your relationship forged a bond stronger than all others. I mean who else can you love and hate at the same time and laugh uncontrollably at by just looking at each other?

Family traditions.

You will be home for thanksgiving and christmas, but probably not some of the other holidays. From carving pumpkins, pumpkin gut fights, and dressing up as whatever you could dream up to camp fires, scary stories, scary stories that weren't scary at all, and ice cream at your favorite local shop down the street and much much more. Each of those things are part of what made your home your home. They may have seemed silly at the time, but your going to wish you could put down your text book and go back to the simpler days of rubber band fights and your Dad's never ending "dead cockroaches".

Your grandparents.

Grandparents are one of God's greatest gifts. They may smother you at times and embarrass you to no end, but they love you something fierce. You'll wish you could just ride your bike to their house and know they'll set a plate for you anytime any day or watch a movie with the surround sound turned up so high the ceiling vibrates. It's the small things about them that warm your heart. A grease soundtrack, a facial expression, and funny memories of false pizza sauce injuries. It's hard being away from them knowing they are only getting older.

Sleepovers.

Everyone loves a good sleepover. Whether it is in your living room with your siblings, out in a tent in the backyard, at your grandparent house in animal sleeping bags, or at your Aunt's house with endless food, karaoke and painted nails, having roommates in college is close, but not quite the same without your family.

Family outings.

As a teenager, there was always something that made trips out with your family make you feel even the smallest tinge of miserable. Those fishing and traumatizing hunting trips, camping excursions, and long drives to the beach were filled with unique and unforgettable memories. After going to college, you might not be able to make it home for any family outings and it leaves with you a small ache in your heart and a sad smile knowing how much more fun it would be now that your over your miserable teenage years.

After leaving for college, your definition of home may include more than just where you grew up, which is okay. Just don't forget to appreciate everything your family and childhood home gave you, love the endless amounts of happy memories and cherish the new ones to come. Before long, your heart will yearn for the home that built you. You'll love your new life, but wish somedays you could just go back and appreciate what you had a little more.