Going off to college is the most exciting time of your life. With the new friends, parties and new school work, you won’t even have a minute to be homesick. That being said, there are some things I don’t go a day without thinking about. Here’s what you’ll miss the most when you are away at college:

My bed

As a kid, I was spoiled (thanks mom & dad) and given a queen size bed. For any of you who are as lucky as me, you know how hard it is to go from a giant bed to a twin. Although you get used to the size, and make your bed at school obviously adorable and comfy, there’s nothing like being home, in your bed, and getting tucked in by your mom. (Yes, I am 5 years old.)

Showering

Let me first say that college showers are not as bad as they are portrayed. In my experience, boys don’t walk in while your shaving your leg, or brushing your teeth, or anything like TV has made us think communal bathrooms are like. But, I will say that you never appreciate showering barefoot, until you go to college (or camp) and the mere thought of showering barefoot makes you cringe. Luckily, I live in a beautiful dorm, where the bathrooms are honestly phenomenal, but I would NEVER go in barefoot. Like ever. I cannot explain to you how grateful I will be to go home and go into the shower without my flip flops on.

Parents

Although I was that girl in high school who sometimes stayed in on a Saturday to hang out with her parents, I promise you, everyone misses home and mom and dad. Even people who “weren’t close with their parents in high school” facetime their parents once a day to tell them everything that went on that day. For me, you can see me facetiming one, or both of my parents at any given time on any given day. And on that note I’ll take this opportunity to give a shout out to them: Seriously, mom, dad, sorry for calling you a million times a day, just miss you guys.

Food

So no, college isn’t like sleep away camp. Not only is the food edible, but it’s pretty amazing. That being said, I will always crave Toku spicy tuna or a La Bottega salad (sorry only Long Island people will understand this reference.) I promise that when it is getting close to the time you are going home, not only will you plan in advance where you are going to eat, but you will know exactly what you are going to get at said restaurant. Seriously, can’t wait for my pizza from Little Vincent’s.

Friends

High school friends. They know you better than anyone else. They’ve spent countless hours studying, smiling, laughing, crying and everything else with you. Time apart is crazy and unbearable, but when you are back together with them, it’s like no time has passed at all. I have made the absolute best friends at college, but cannot wait to see my friends from high school.

Not to be misunderstood, I LOVE COLLEGE, but I am so excited to go home and get back into my “home life” even if it is only for a few days.