Going back to school as a college student means something completely different than it ever did before. While we always seemed to dread the end of August, college students often feel excitement of heading back to campus and everything that goes along with that.

It seems that back-to-school shopping signs go up at the end of June, but we already have most of our stuff. Our comforters and room supplies were all bought the summer before freshman year. So while we no longer stock up on cute notebooks and pens, back-to-school shopping now means online orders of (expensive) textbooks. You definitely will be stocking up on highlighters and index cards though.

Tank tops and bathing suits at the mall are quickly replaced by flannels and boyfriend jeans. While some mourn the loss of the summer attire, others embrace the cute clothes of fall. But with the thought of late nights and early 8 a.ms, we know we’ll be rolling out of bed and to class in sweatpants and sweatshirts by late November. That doesn't stop us from buying a whole new wardrobe though.

The last few days before you leave for campus are spent soaking up the last of everything. The last trip to your local ice cream spot, the last outings with your high school friends, and your last home-cooked meals. Going back to school means you’ll most likely be eating cafeteria food and simple grilled cheeses for a while.

While you’ve probably spent most of the summer separate from your roommates (aka your best friends) you’ll be reunited soon. Group chats are full of excitement for the year to come and asking who is bringing the mini-fridge. Extra detail is spent on deciding what decorations you and your roommate are approving to hang up in the dorm and figuring out how all of your stuff plus you will fit into the tiny dorm room.

Going back to school definitely means something different for everyone, but I’m sure we’re all pretty excited to move back in.