Finals week is almost over and has been over for us lucky ones. We all get to go home and relax without the pressures of school weighing down on our shoulders. Its a chance to see your friends that go to other schools, enjoy the holidays with your family and get mentally prepared for the upcoming spring semester. While a quiet campus at VCU is an oddity and it will be missed, there are things that we won't be too concerned about missing out on.

1) Food

College food isn't the best in the world. Its even harder when the options are limited enough to make you sick of eating chicken finger and fries all the time. It's nice to be home and know that you'll be able to eat all the home cooked dinners you took for granted. Sorry Shafer, but mom's pot roast that is actually warm will always be better. Always.

2) Tripping on the bricks

Are you actually a VCU student if you don't trip on bricks a few times a day? If you live in Richmond, or are staying close to campus over break then maybe you'll still be a victim. Those of us that are further away for our month of relaxation can have peace of mind that our ankles will be safe for at least a little while.

3) Constant Construction

The first few weeks of school were spend knocking down GRC, now they are starting to build the new dorm buildings, the park is being renovated and of course the construction of the new art building, have some students wondering if the "C" in VCU stands for commonwealth or construction. Sleeping at home will give students a chance to not be woken up by the sounds of machinery every morning.

4) School related stress

The sheer stress of finals week alone is reason enough to have a month long break. From studying all day and late into the night, waking up early and taking test after test, all of the stress the semester brought is left behind. We all need a mental break to celebrate getting through another week of finals or the first every finals week for Freshman. Then we'll prepare ourselves to come back and take on the classes that spring semester will bring.

5) Being away from family

Even though being away at school can be a good break from family, nothing is better than having them around especially during the holiday season. The busy day to day lives of students at college or your family back at home get to slow down. The best part of coming home from break isn't the academic break, its the ability to spend time with your family and friends that you've missed more than you probably even realized.