During this time of the year, it is important for us to give thanks for the things in life we truly value. While we will always be thankful for our family and friends, and of course for the food on our table and the roof over our heads, at this time in our lives, we can be thankful for a few age-oriented things as well. As college students, we get quite a few benefits.

1. Free T-shirts

We love t-shirts, and we love not paying for things. We aren't always going to have the opportunity to simply walk over to a small event happening on campus, show some school spirit and snag a free tee for the rest of our lives, but we're sure glad to have the chance now.

2. Emails From Professors With The Subject: "CLASS CANCELED"

Nothing has ever sounded so sweet. Whether it's our first, second or last class of the day, as soon as that email has been opened we can be found cheering and rubbing it in our friends' faces. No class is definitely a reason to celebrate.

3. Night Games

Tell us we have a 7:30 p.m. football game this weekend and we will smile our way through the week. Having a night game to look forward to will motivate us for the next seven days.

4. Free Samples

Perhaps the biggest perk of walking down the main street of campus in between classes. If there is any kind of farmers market you can be sure to find free samples of their freshest ingredients.

5. That Heart-Settling Facebook Message: "Hey I Found Your Phone And ID"

If you haven't experienced it yourself, you've watched a friend go through it. It is that instant switch from feeling hopeless and lost, to dropping to your knees praising this Good Samaritan for retrieving your belongings.

6. Uber/Lyft

What a wonderful idea (when taken with friends). After a night out, when bed is calling your name but your lack of cash is silencing that call, the little app on your phone has your back.

7. When The Syllabus Says "Textbook Not Required"

It's rare, and it's beautiful. Not having to search and compare prices for days before breaking down and spending over $200 on a textbook is music to our ears. It is also a guaranteed way for the professor to make a great first impression.

8. When You Don't Have To Schedule Friday Classes

A three day weekend is already a great weekend. Knowing you only have to focus in school for four days a week will make the semester fly by.

9. Extra Credit

When it's the end of the semester and you realize even if you ace the final, there is no chance of getting the grade you want: have no fear, extra credit is here! An extra paper or two is well worth the higher letter grade you will receive.

10. Free Meals When Parents Are In Town

For the record, this doesn't mean just our own parents. We love when our parents visit, and we love when our friends' parents visit. Getting to see them and catch up is more than enough, when there is free food involved too, we've hit the jackpot.