The semester is winding down. With give or take three weeks left there are thoughts about going home from many different perspectives.

There are people that are excited about going home- probably the ones thinking about transferring closer or the ones who call a different member of their family everyday. There are people that dread going home to a more strict household filled with rules and restrictions. But for most, it falls somewhere in the middle of the two.

No matter where you stand here are 8 indisputable reasons to look forward to going home.

1. No More Classes

I think this one is a given. With the end of the spring semester comes a time free of stress and full of relaxation. Finishing finals and crossing the last few things off in your planner brings on a bunch of different feelings. Looking back on the year can make you feel a bit nostalgic. The college years are supposed to be some of the most exciting and now is your opportunity to reflect on all the time you've spent at your college or university. You can decide what to change about next year and make some new goals. But most likely you will look back and thank the heavens above that the semester is over. Even though you'll miss some parts of school there are definitely some things you won't miss.

2. Home-Cooked Meals

I know I won't miss campus food and I don't know anyone who will either.

There isn't much that compares to being able to open your pantry and have all of your favorite snacks there without having to uber to the store and buy them yourself. But, if there is something that could compare, it's coming home from a long day out of the house to home cooked food. Even if it's left overs, knowing someone that loves you cooked it just makes it better. Campus food, often gross, gets repetitive to put it nicely. By the end of the spring semester you're probably ordering in more often than not but hey, can't take your money to the grave right????? Right.

3. Having Your Parents Buy Your Stuff Again

Over breaks and the summer you will realize what a privilege it is to not have to buy your own tooth paste and toilet paper again. Little stuff like that really adds up, and lets be honest-- who wants to spend money on toiletries when you could be spending that on more fun things. Having your parents around brings a sense of security and allows you to start saving your money again. And you won't have to use conditioner as shaving cream anymore or eat yogurt with a plastic knife. In the end, just look at it as you making the most of your resources.

4. Driving Your Car

If you were lucky you were able to have your car on campus the first year of college and also all the years after that. If not, you feel my pain. Going home for winter break I can honestly say that I was probably the most excited to be able to go where ever I pleased again. In college you find a new sense of independence that you didn't necessarily have before. You're away from home, away from your parents, and don't have to answer to anyone but yourself-- and maybe your roommates once in a while. When you go home you have the ability to get right back into your old shenanigans with your best friends. You take trips, don't have to worry about paying for Uber, and you aren't forced to walk miles to parties-- all because you don't want to waste money on Ubers. At least you'll feel like you got your work in that day.

5. Seeing Your Friends

Speaking of old shenanigans, you get to meet up with all your high school friends again, hang out with your bffs, and go to all your favorite spots. You don't realize how much you miss them until you're with them again having late nights in your hometown driving around all the places that back in the day were only accesssible by bike. Your friends from home will always be there. Even if you grow up and start to grow apart it will be a familiar face around town and a friendly passing conversation.

6. Reuniting With Your Pets

Being with your pets again has got to be one of the best feelings as a pet parent. After months of being apart you can finally cuddle up with your little smush again. Coming from a family that always has three+ pets going home is such a happy time. Even though you forgot what it was like for your black clothes to be covered in fur, somehow you're not annoyed because it's a little reminder that they're there.

7. Your Favorite Restaurants

Sometimes when you move to a new place you aren't sure about where to go or what's safe to eat out. Testing the waters could be a scary process. New places are a hit or miss. Downtown places are usually safe but there are some places on the main, busy roads that I would definiely stay away from. Do your research, and don't be afraid to use Yelp even if it makes you feel like a pretentious tourist. At least you know you're going home to all your favorite places to eat. You know exactly where to go depending on what you're craving. And let's not get started on all the local delicacies found in all our little towns.

8. Going Home

I think we can all agree that even though we love college and getting to experience new things we've all experienced being homesick at one time or another. This comes in all shapes and forms. Maybe it's a simple "I miss my bed" or a "I want my dog", maybe it's a full on mental breakdown about wanting to go home for just a weekend. Maybe you didn't even realize you were homesick but once you get home you remembered all the things you love about being home and all your favorite views around town. Never take being home surrounded by friends and family for granted because as time goes on it get's more difficult to keep in touch.