In high school, we all relished the freedom and fun that was synonymous with summer break. Three months of no school? Sign me up. But, in college, the game changes: we find ourselves wishing summer was shorter, counting down the days until we're back at school again. Going back to school is like going back home, and we all grow to miss the things that define our school during the months we're gone. I've been home from Tulane for six weeks now, and am longing for all of the things that I love so much about the place that is, in my humble opinion, the best school in the world. If you're feeling sentimental and missing the 504 like I am, check out this list of things that every Tulane student is guaranteed to miss while they're gone for the summer.
1. Game days/ tailgates
Tulane only recently became a "football school" when we built Yulman Stadium in 2013. While we may not dominate on the field, we all definitely know how to make the most of the school spirit and fun that goes along with a game. We now excel at waking up and putting on some Green Wave gear, rushing to the Boot for a pre-game buzz, and heading to the quad to eat free food and hang out with the whole school. Whether or not you make it to the game, you can't deny that the game day vibes make any Saturday better. We can only hope that September 10th, the first game day, rolls around faster than we can say roll wave.
2. The Fly
The Fly, the spot on the Mississippi River right across from school, is probably my favorite place to go to relax. To me, it epitomizes the beauty and carefree spirit of the entire city, and Tulane students definitely take advantage of this spot. Every Friday of summer makes me wish I was heading to the Fly after a long week with some snacks, a bottle of wine and my best friends.
3. The restaurants
Obviously, the city of New Orleans has a ton to offer in terms of food, but there are also so many cute and delicious restaurants in walking distance of Tulane. Just some that you might be missing this summer: Satsuma, Waffles on Maple, Fresco, Humble Bagel, Ba Chi, the list goes on. Being able to walk to all of these student favorites is a luxury I'm definitely missing right about now.
4. The weather
This one is a toss-up, because New Orleans can sometimes deliver some rough weather. Even though I live up North, my one year at Tulane made me grow accustomed to constant humidity and never having to worry about bringing a sweater. It may be summer, but up here, it still gets pretty cold once the sun goes down, something I could do without. In addition, even though the storms in New Orleans can get crazy, it's pretty fun when Tulane cancels classes due to the weather and we get to hang out with our friends or maybe even attend the occasional darty. Southern weather, you are missed.
5. The Boot
How can you not miss the Boot? Located basically on campus, the #1 college bar in the country puts other schools bar scenes to shame. Even if it's always suffocatingly crowded and can be pretty gross, the Boot is the place to be on any given night (or day). Wednesday Happy Hours help us all get through the week, and the drink specials seemingly never end on any given day. And even if you don't frequent the Boot for its drinking prowess, you probably miss it for its amazing pizza and cheese fries. Any Tulane student knows that a good night either starts or ends at the Boot, so we're definitely missing it during these long four months away.
