Let’s face it we all love summer. It’s the best time to relax after a stressful quarter. And an even greater time to go traveling and catch up with friends from back home.
But let's face it, summer break is only fun for the a couple weeks. The other weeks are usually spent laying in bed watching your new favorite series on Netflix *cough cough Stranger Things* And on occasion playing the #1 most infamous game known to ruin friendships, the game of UNO!
This summer was truly amazing and unforgettable, but a part of me couldn't wait to return to school for the following reasons:
1. Friends
Dorming my first year allowed me to make so many new college friends that I got to spend the whole year with. College forming creates a much closer friendship, than the ones developed in high school. You not only spend time in the classroom. Friends in college call you to eat dinner in the dining hall ten minutes before it closes, party with you, go on spontaneous trips and pull all-nighters on finals week with you. And I can’t wait to relive this all over again.
2. The location
Going to school in Los Angeles is definitely one of the best reasons I love returning. Living in LA means being in the midst of the celebrity scene, the best beaches, the best restaurants for foodies, and coolest fits. UCLA is located in Westwood, which holds the Fox Theatre. So when the newest movie is premiering, you are sure to meet and take a selfie with at least one star actor. From Seth Rogen and Dave Franco to Chloe Moretz and Jonah Hill, this college town always hosts some of the coolest celebrities. In addition to the celebs, the location of UCLA is one of a kind because of its close vicinity to some of the most popular beaches. Santa Monica Pier is just fifteen minutes from campus, which offers a great way to relax from a stressful week of studying. And while you are out, don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at one-of-a-kind eateries you’ll only find in LA. Los Angeles holds some of the most trendy and diverse foodie places so take advantage. But above all is the shopping hype surrounding LA. Whether you wanna Feel Like Pablo and shop the Fairfax District or embrace your inner-white girl and shop Melrose while taking IG pictures next to artsy walls, Los Angeles has some of the greatest shops in the west coast.
3. No Curfews
I can stay out as long as I want! College holds the greatest freedom. The cool thing about college is my mom probably won’t know that I’m out on the streets at 4am. I don’t have someone telling me to get home before midnight or else. And for that, I say thank you, college. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't sleep. SLEEP IS IMPORTANT. A few sleepless nights won’t hurt you though.
4. The Food
Two words. Dining hall. Every time I found myself eating a Nutella sandwich or a quesadilla during the summer, all I could think of was the countdown to returning to dining hall food. Honestly dining halls are a dream come true because of its accessibility and convenience. From 7am to 2am there is always something readily available to eat in college. And if you are to lazy to sit-in at a dining hall, they even offer the convenience of grabbing your food to-go. Not only is the food readily available, but you don't have to worry about cleaning the dishes. I was so happy when all I had to do was put my plates on a conveyor belt and walk away, without hearing the echo of my mother’s voice reminding me to wash the dishes. Returning to college is a blessing and a curse (with the classes part) but I wouldn't have it any other way.
