If you asked me this question about a year ago, I probably would have answered with something along the lines of, "Not much; leaving for college and being an adult is beyond terrifying." A year later, my answer is much different. So, what is worse than moving away from home? Its simple: moving back.

Yes, this past summer home from college has been the most difficult summer I have ever experienced at home. After being away from my parents and sister for nine months, learning to live on my own, under my own rules and on my own time, it pretty much became natural. I slept where I wanted and I woke up when I wanted, minus those dreaded 8 a.m. classes. More, importantly, I went out and came home when I wanted, and I ate what I wanted whenever I wanted it. (Yes, Mom and Dad, this included pizza and Jimmy Johns at 3 a.m.)

So, moving back home after adjusting to this newfound amazing life as a college student is anything but easy. My dad likes to say his house, his rules. What is this nonsense? I have to tell you guys where I am going, who I'm going to be with, when I am going to be home, wait, and you're telling me I can’t order Domino's past midnight? Okay, so that was a bit dramatic. In all seriousness though, moving back home from school has taken some getting used too.

What I think is the hardest part for parents is that they forget that within the time that you left the nest and now, you grew up. Whether or not you are grown up in their eyes, you have officially learned to survive without them. So, in turn, when you return to the nest, some parents feel like they need to make up for lost time. They parent you maybe even more so than when you were in high school, because, well, they know that in just a few short months you'll be off on your own again. So, they better get all that parenting in while they can.

I love my parents, and I know their intentions are good. Sometimes, however, I think they still see me as their first born, little girl, still in high school, wanting them to know every aspect of my daily life. Sorry, 'rents; this just isn't the case. Dare I say I've had a sip of alcohol, spent more time at a fraternity than the library, slept places nowhere near my dorm room, and been stranded across campus without shoes? Yes, it all happened. But, I loved and learned from every experience, thanks to your parenting. You might still receive the occasional SOS phone call, but for now it's time to take a back seat to parenting and let your little girl figure college life out on her own, because she's doing just fine.

If the adjustment to living under your parents' roof wasn't hard enough, being away from your friends is even harder. You spend months establishing a life and friends wherever your college may be, and then all of a sudden you have to pick up and leave. Don't get me wrong, seeing your high school friends is nice and rekindling those friendships you missed so much during the year has its perks. You soon realize, however, that your life is no longer at home.

For me, my life, sorority, friends, school, is all in East Lansing. These months away from the E.L. have made me appreciate the school I love that much more. I’ve learned to appreciate having my friends around me 24/7, a 24-hour Dunkin' Donuts right down the street, and dancing on elevated surfaces to “Trap Queen,” because apparently doing that at parties back home just isn’t as socially acceptable.

So, what have I learned this summer? Don't take your parents for granted; communicate with them if you're feeling suffocated, but remember, your laundry and room don't clean themselves at college. Netflix is your best friend. If you didn't know this already, take some time this summer to binge-watch your favorite shows. Don't feel guilty for being lazy, as much as your dad nags you about it. Remind him that downtime at school is a rarity, so you're taking advantage of the time you have.

Dive into something you love, but maybe forgot about during the school year. Maybe it's reading for fun, running, playing tennis or, in my case, skating. Adventure to someplace new, take a road trip, whatever you want, pass the time while having fun! But most of all, remember that fall is right around the corner, and all of your friends feel just as anxious and excited to get back to school as you do. So, you're not alone.