This time of year, many college students across the country are gearing up for a jam-packed week with friends, likely somewhere away from the harsh winter. I know I felt like the odd-man-out when I told people I was "just going home" for break, but I ended up having a great time and truly needed the time to just relax. Going home can be really great and just what you need mid-semester.

Here are some of the many reasons why going home can actually make for a super fun break:

1. There's always good food.

Whenever college students think about going home, food is often the first thing we all think about. There's nothing like sitting down in the comfort of your own home to eat some delicious meal your mom made. I always regret not appreciating home-cooked meals when I was younger! Also, if you live in a dorm (like myself), it's so refreshing to get fresh fruit and vegetables whenever you want!

2. You have time for extra sleep.

With all of the schoolwork we college students have plus all of the other things we are involved in, sleep is often the first thing to go during a busy semester. Going home is a great opportunity to catch up on sleep, and the comfort of your own bed is definitely an added bonus.

3. You get to see your family.

As much as I love being independent and going to school far from home, I definitely miss my family often while away at school. Spring break is a great chance to spend quality time with your parents or siblings, especially any younger siblings who are still at home. Sometimes all you need is a little mid-semester pep talk from your mom to get you through the end of the year!

4. You can visit hometown restaurants and favorite places.

I always look forward to returning to my favorite food spots when I go home! The DC area (where I'm from) has an endless amount of amazing restaurants that I always miss so much when I'm at school. Going home for break is pretty great when you get to eat at all of your favorite restaurants all in one week!

5. You finally can spend time with friends from home.

I was lucky enough to have a few friends who had the same break as me, and it was so nice to be able to catch up with them again. We didn't do anything particularly eventful, but just the fact that we were together was amazing. Shoutout to my awesome friend Jess for spending a whole day helping me find a dress for formal!

6. Your pets are waiting for you.

I personally don't have any pets (besides my fish), but all of my friends with dogs or cats always look forward to the chance to spend some extra time with them. What's better than relaxing and watching tons of Netflix with your dog sleeping next to you? Sounds like a great time if you ask me!

7. Finally, you have a chance to de-stress.

College can be VERY stressful at times and going home is a chance to forget about all of that for a little while. It's so nice to just relax, knowing you actually can because you have nothing to worry about!

Going on a vacation with your friends or family is definitely a great way to spend a week off from school, but if you don't have any travel plans, that doesn't mean your break won't be a good time. No matter where you are spending break, it's a chance to relax and regain momentum to finish the semester strong!