The calendar has turned to August, and within the month I will be returning back to college for my second year. Time is flying by incredibly fast, and for the next few weeks, I will be frantically gathering everything in my house that I need to move back to Charlottesville. And in my preparations for my new apartment-style living, I realized how many differences there are going to be between apartment and dorm living, most of them for the better.

1. The ability to make my own food

Farewell, dining hall. Well, not for forever, but I certainly won’t be going to the dining hall most every night like I did last year. The dining hall will be much farther away, I no longer have unlimited swipes, and this year I will have a kitchen of my own. With access to a fridge, microwave, oven, and a toaster, I will have the ability to make low-quality meals of my own.

2. Not having to share a bathroom with 20 other people

Not that I didn’t like having to walk down a big hall every time I wanted to use a bathroom, but I’ll be glad to just go into my own space. Even better than that, I’ll actually be able to keep my shampoo, toothbrush, and other toiletries in the bathroom as opposed to having to transport it to the bathroom every time.

3. Having my own living room area

One of the things I missed most when I lived in a dorm room was having a living area of my own to relax in. Not that I couldn’t go to the lounge, but there’s something nice about it being your own. This year I have a couch, chairs, and a TV, and it feels like the lap of luxury.

4. Being closer to restaurants and other necessities

While I will be a little bit further away from central grounds, I’ll be closer to Barracks and other shopping centers, which is a big plus living in a bigger space that requires more maintenance. I’m also significantly close to JPJ and the other sports grounds, which is helpful for less travel times on game days.

5. Having access to a car

While I’d have this opportunity even if I was still staying in a dorm-style room this year, having access to a car and a place to park it is going to be huge step for me and my ease of access to everything. I’ll be able to get to places other than ones accessible by the bus, and I’m one step closer to becoming a real adult.