My Twitter feed has been filled with the same tweets for a few weeks now, variations of: "___ days til SJC" and "I need to move back to SJC". Whether you're starting your second year here or you're a rising senior, chances are you're pumped to back. I'm here to tell you that move-in day is less than a month a way! Soon enough, you'll be driving down White's Bridge until you reach this view:

Here are some things I bet all you Monks are looking forward to:

1. The Lake

As SJC students we really have it good here - Sebago Lake is the second largest lake in Maine, and we have access to kayaks and paddle boards for so cheap! Make sure you head to Student Activities and take advantage of those before it gets cold! We also have the dock AND the float to swim out to, as well as a changing room, picnic tables and chairs. Who doesn't want to spend their free time down here with all of that cool stuff?

2. Food

Whether your go-to is a bacon cheeseburger from Patch's, or a medium 2-topping pizza from the local Dominos (yes, they're delivering again!), you can count down the days until this food is at your fingertips! Not to mention the food in our cafeteria. Get ready for Mac and Cheese Monday, and submit your suggestions on the suggestion board! Head over to the farm as well and check out the farm stand filled with fresh veggies!

3. Sporting Events

It's almost time for fall sports and I can't wait to catch a home soccer or field hockey game or watch the cross country team finish a race! And for those who like to get more involved, intramurals will be starting up! Get your game face on because intramural softball will be here before we know it!

4. Ice Cream

If you go to Saint Joe's, you've gone to The Dugout (if that's not true, GET ON THAT!). Hands down the best ice cream around. The line can be a little long (always worth the wait IMO), so maybe you prefer The Mosquito in Raymond. If you're not up for the drive there, you've definitely hit up DQ or Friendly's in downtown Windham. A nice ice cream cone will be great after move-in day!

5. SJC Sunsets

Okay so I really wanted to put every sunset picture I had up here but that might be overkill. I would argue that Saint Joe's has some of the best sunsets in Maine, if not the country (or even the world?). The lake is always a good spot to catch them, but the 4th floor of Alfond Hall is probably my second favorite spot. The caf isn't bad either, and if you want a change of pace, head up to the track in Alfond Center, or even the Hall of Fame Room there. If you're down for a mini adventure, White's Bridge has a great view. Have you found any other great sunset spots?

6. Student Activities

Bingo, pool, karaoke, craft night, and comedy on tap are just a few of the programs we know and love here. We also have kayaks and paddle boards, KanJam, Cornhole, and other outdoor equipment to rent. Then, there's the shuttle into town and Windham. All of this is provided by Student Activities, and I can't wait to take advantage!

7. Being back with friends

Honestly, there's nothing better than living down the hall from your best friends. Lunch dates in the caf, catching sunsets at the lake, or cheering on your fellow Monks at a sporting event - all are better with friends. Some of us move on to campus early, some of us never left, but within a month we'll all be back together, so let the countdown begin!