Vacations seem to be the common clock we all run on throughout the school year: how many more weeks until finals are over and Winter Break is here, how many more days until Summer Vacation starts. But once mid-August hits, most of us have to start thinking about going back to school, and for a lot of people that means driving or flying for a few hours away from home and moving into a dorm or an apartment with friends. Sure, the prospect of waking up at 9:00am for lecture and staying up until 3:00am studying for a midterm isn't too motivating, but there are a bunch of reasons to get excited about going back. Whether you're about to be a college freshman or you've spent a few years away from home for school already, going back to school can be fun!

College Freshmen

1. Being away from home is both nerve-racking and thrilling!

2. Not knowing many people can be intimidating, but odds are you'll make a few friends that stick with you for all of college (and life)!

3. Decorating your dorm -- especially if you've been dying to give your room at home a makeover and haven't had a chance.

4. Repping college apparel 24/7.

5. Exploring a new city, or getting to know the one you're already in way better!

Upperclassmen

6. Seeing all your friends in the same place again -- especially those who live on the other side of the country (or the world)!

7. Finally getting to take some cool electives (not just that Gen Ed stuff).

8. Living really close to all your friends once more (goodbye, 30 minute commutes)!

9. Hitting up your favorite local spots (for that extra delicious milkshake only found on campus)!

10. Having a change of pace with the weather (though winter can be rough at school, so at that point in time you'll be missing your always-humid hometown).

Everyone

11. Making memories to last you a lifetime.