It’s been about a month since you returned from studying abroad. Regardless of what country you were in, I’m sure you’re feeling the same emotion I am at this point — nostalgia.   

Upon arriving on Wake Forest’s campus last week, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Sure, I was excited to be back with my friends. But how was I going to survive without my daily flat white from Pret, Monday night adventures at Mahiki, or morning runs through Hyde Park? (Not to mention the lack of British accents … ugh.) 

You get into such a routine abroad that arriving back on your American campus may seem a little daunting, if not depressing at times. (I mean, really, a party in a muddy basement?) 

With that in mind, stay positive and remember these 10 awesome things about America that may make your transition a little easier.

1.     Embrace the punch/keg/lack of cover charge.

 No matter what country you studied in, there was probably not an option to drink free alcohol out of a germ-infested cooler. Embrace the fact that not only do you no longer have to pay $20 just to enter the party, but the alcohol is free too. (Let’s face it, we’re all broke after a semester in Europe.)             

Source: http://wifflegif.com/tags/20524-help-me-i-m-poor-g...     

2.     You finally get to lose the leather jacket.   

I don’t know about y’all, but in London, wearing a leather jacket to the club is pretty much the same as wearing underwear. You never take it off. And while, yes, a leather jacket can be pretty chic, it’s been nice being able to wear a t-shirt and leggings out. OH, and may I mention how much I missed being able to wear my chucks? Never have I been so grateful to attend a school wear a “going out” uniform consists of a t-shirt and dirty sneakers.     

Source: http://www.hercampus.com/school/fairfield/14-signs...

3.     Free water.     

What’s up with the fact that we not only have to ask for water at a restaurant in Europe, but we have to PAY for it? Oh, and uh … where’s the ice? Definitely don’t miss being constantly thirsty. Water is a necessity people, not a luxury!                

Source: http://pixgood.com/i-need-water-spongebob-meme.htm...

4.     Driving.   

While all of us were probably a hazard to the road when we got back, you gotta admit it’s nice being able to jump in a car and head to Target, Starbuck’s, or even take a loop around the neighborhood. While traveling on the tube, metro, bus, or whatever else probably made you feel independent, it got old, expensive, and smelly. Very smelly. Nothing’s better than driving around in your own clean car and blasting some classic American country tunes. (Do practice first — a whole semester is a long time without being behind the wheel!)            

Source: http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/365vb9        

5.     Chick-fil-A.   

Or Starbuck’s, Chipotle, Mom’s cooking … need I mention Jif peanut butter? There is nothing better than the simplicity of classic American food. And no, the “American” section at Tesco’s does not count.                 

Source: http://www.playbuzz.com/seventeen10/the-most-iconi...    

6.     Everyone speaks English!   

Even though I didn’t have this problem in London, there were plenty of experiences during my travels where the language barrier was a huge issue. Yes, we want to split the check four ways. No, we don’t want a free massage on the beach. And I wanted ice in my water, not on the side.             

Source: http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/side-eyeing-chloe     

7.     You can finally check your Instagram and Twitter feeds on your way to class.     

In an era where we are entirely dependent on our cell phones, it was definitely weird not having cellular data everywhere I went. “Do you have Wifi?” was probably one of the most commonly asked questions among my friends and I. Not to mention the amount of times we got lost because we couldn’t access “Maps” on our iPhones. You've got to admit, it’s been nice being able to whip out your phone in any situation and check your snapstories or even text your parents! They probably suffered from this as much as you did.        

Source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/louispeitzman/the-most-rel...

8.     NETFLIX. 

You should be busy traveling and exploring your country instead of watching hours of online television anyway. But let’s be real, you missed being able to spend hours in your bed binge-watching Gossip Girl. Therefore, yes, I did spend the majority of my winter break on the couch curled up with a good old American Starbuck’s Skinny Peppermint Mocha and catching up on Mad Men on Netflix. It’s the little things, really.             

Source: http://www.hercampus.com/school/fairfield/14-signs...    

9.     Actually staying home on the weekends.   

Don’t get me wrong, traveling every single weekend was incredible, and I’m sure everyone else would agree. But there’s just something about staying in on a Friday night that you definitely take for granted while you’re abroad. Sure, it’s fun spending each weekend bouncing between Greece, Ireland, Prague, etc. But it’s also fun traveling from your couch, to your bed, to the pantry, to your couch, to your bed …            

Source: http://www.hercampus.com/school/fairfield/14-signs...

10.  Last, but certainly not least, being home with your family and friends.   

Studying abroad rocked and definitely had a huge impact on my life. Not only did I learn a lot about different cultures, but I learned a lot about myself. However, no matter how much I may miss British pubs, afternoon tea, and hearing “Mind the gap” 20+ times a day, nothing beats finally being reunited with family and friends.                 

Source: https://31.media.tumblr.com/e8fc055927c9f28bb32658…

Before you know it, you’ll be happy to be back in the States!