Summer has always been a beautiful thing. However, since I've been a college student, when May comes around I'm not sure I want the school year to end. There are both pros and cons to the sunny months of the year, but as far as this list goes, these are the reasons I'm hesitant to leave.

1. The university is home.

Being on campus all year, I've built my own schedule I'm comfortable with, I'm always surrounded by my friends and peers, and I'm in an environment I chose to call my home for quite some time now. The fact that when I go home, my best friend/roommate won't be living in my room, is just sad. Summer in college feels like a vacation from my home, even though I'm headed home.

2. I'm attached to my friends.

Library parties, dins at 5 o'clock, Saturday night shenanigans, you name it, my friends are always by my side. Leaving the people I've spent all my time with for the past nine months is never easy. FaceTime and Snap will have to do for the time being, but I'll miss my partners in crime until September comes back around.

3. Trading schoolwork for a job.

Don't get me wrong, I'm ready to be done with classes. "Hell Week," and finals are over, and schoolwork finally comes to an end, but for what? Instead of soaking up the sun, and having nothing but free time, it's time we start to fend for ourselves and get adult jobs and internships. Making money is definitely a plus for us poor college kids, but I'd rather be goofing around at school.

4. Independence.

Whether you're living at home, or living at your summer job like I am, I feel we've had a bit of our freedom taken away for a few months. Living back under your parents roof has gotten old at this point, and even though they now respect you as an adult, there's still that parental eye you now have to check back into. On the other hand, for me, and those who are living at their summer job or internship location, we're now tied down to our work schedules, long hours, and the wishes of our bosses. Although we'll always hold our own independence, in the summers during college, it feels a bit less than usual.

5. You've finished another grade.

Time really does fly. When it's time for summer it only means I'm another grade older. These are some of our best young years, and it's scary, yet excited growing up. Once we reach our last summer, and it's time to graduate, we'll be ready to start the rest of our lives. But until then, I plan to savor my college years.