Each year in August, college students around the country prepare to return to college and, unlike most children during back to school season, college students are ecstatic! College is an amazing time in a person’s life and it goes by in the blink of an eye. Hopefully this year will be just as great as the last!

1. Finally seeing friends who live far away.

It’s been almost three months since the end of last school year. After spending almost every day with your college friends for nine months, it’s hard to be apart, especially when they live miles and miles away. But it’s finally time to reunite. Instead of the nonstop group chats and Snapchats, it is back to being able to walk about 10 feet to see and chat with your friends. Being away for so long is difficult, but it leads up to an amazing reunion each fall.

2. Decorating the dorm.

Personally, I love interior design so decorating my dorm is definitely a highlight of going back to school. A new dorm room is a blank canvas you can decorate as you please, making it minimalistic, cozy, preppy or any style that suits you. Let’s be real, who doesn’t love some fairy lights, throw pillows and a comfy comforter?

3. Back to school clothes shopping.

Also one of my personal favorites. Going back to school is a great excuse to binge a little and buy new clothes and shoes for the rest of the school year. Finding the perfect pieces to add to your wardrobe is a key to feeling confident and comfortable around campus daily.

4. New school supplies.

Everyone has their favorite pen or pencil, but buying new notebooks and other supplies is a great feeling. It’s a clean new start to the school year. Who doesn't like buying new school supplies? Even if you're not a big stationary fan, the feeling of starting new is one of the only things that makes starting classes exciting!

5. Gaining independence.

Living away from home for months and then moving back home is quite an adjustment. You lose some independence and have less freedoms under your parents’ roof, but finally it’s time to move out again. Yes, spending time with your parents is great but getting to be your own person as a young adult is a great feeling. I know I’ll miss home and my family, but I’m also excited to get away for a bit like most other college students.

6. College sports.

For most college students, college sports are a big deal. Whether it’s football, lacrosse, soccer or basketball, there's nothing like cheering on your school's team with a bunch of other students and being filled with team spirit.

7. Everything is within walking distance.

It is so much easier getting around campus than home! You can walk anywhere, to the store, local restaurants, coffee shops, etc. It makes life a lot easier and is a great way to get exercise. Plus if you can’t walk, there are always campus busses.

8. Free gym access.

Finally! A big plus to living on campus is the gym. Instead of paying hundreds on a gym membership, there's a free facility within walking/running distance. Since it's so close, there's also no excuse to not go. Plus there are tons of free fitness classes available like Zumba that make exercising fun!

9. Returning to campus (home away from home).

As a college student your campus is where you live most of the year, so it begins to feel a lot like home; being away for a few months can be hard. After a while, you start to miss the local restaurants, stores and the atmosphere. When you live on a beautiful, ever-changing campus, it's hard not to miss it! Soon we'll be "home"!

10. Two words: syllabus week!

A week full of partying, catching up and fun, syllabus week is a great start to the school year. Classes are super simple, with very little work, and there is a lot of free time to catch up with friends and get back into the college routine.

11. Naps.

One thing that every college student loves is naps! During the school year you can nap whenever you want without judgement. At home it's not acceptable to nap daily or a few hours after you wake up, but at college it's totally normal and everyone does it.

12. The possibilities, memories and moments ahead of us this year.

Every year is filled with moments you'll never forget and hopefully this year is the same! The possibilities are endless and there are so many adventures to come. College is the perfect time to make memories and be spontaneous. Hopefully the 2016-2017 school year will be full of good times and happy memories!