Winter Break: the sometimes month long period that college students look forward to all of first semester. You get to take a break from the stresses of college and reward yourself with some needed rest and relaxation, all the while seeing family and high school friends. After a while, though, most students become a little antsy being at home and long to be back at school. Here are GIFs that perfectly show some of the most poignant moments, at least in my experience, from the first part of winter break.

Stage 1: Last Final and Start of Winter Break

1. When your alarm goes off for your last 9 a.m. final and you are forced to get up after going to bed at 5 a.m. cramming for your exam.

2. When you give up on that question you don’t even know how to begin answering, write something completely wrong.

3. When you turn in your last final and realize you are on break for the next month!

4. When you realize you have have so much packing and cleaning to do in the hours before you leave.

5. When you are finally leaving campus and have to say goodbye to your friends.

6. When your Uber arrives and you realize that cramming your suitcases into the trunk is going to be a process.

7. When you are finally on the plane or train or in the car heading home and couldn’t be more excited… UNTIL your sleep deprivation finally catches up with you.

Stage 2-- Arriving at Home:

1. When your Mom comes running up to you and tears up while she hugs you for five minutes in the middle of the airport. You don’t mind, though, because you missed her so much.

2. When you get to take a shower without shower shoes.

3. When you finally get into your bed and fall asleep right away because you stayed up till 5 a.m. cramming for the final you had that morning.

4. When your parents come in the next morning BEFORE 9 a.m. to wake you up, obviously forgetting that you are a sleep deprived college student.

Stage 3: The First Few Days of Break:

1. When you have watched so much Netflix your eyes start to hurt, but you can’t resist.

2. When you are finally reunited with your best high school friends.

3. When you eat your favorite home-cooked meal for the first time in months.

4. When you get that dreaded email that all final grades are now posted.

Be sure to check back next week for Part 2!