When I was a sophomore in high school and was trying to decide where to go to school, I looked at colleges across the United States. In fact, I even looked at going to college abroad. For some reason, in my period of teenage angst and wanting to rebel against my parents, I thought that the best answer was to go as far away as possible for my four years after graduation. Looking back four years later, I'm sitting at UNC, a good 42 minutes away from home, and not regretting a single moment of it. Let me tell you why...

1. Home-cooked meals, anytime.

One of the nicest things about being so close to home is that when the dining hall gets old, I just hitch a ride home. My mom loves to feed me and my friends, and even sends leftovers back to school with us. Thanks, Trace, you're the best.

2. I'm forgetful.

I can't tell you how many times I've gotten in the car after a break and forgotten my license, my phone charger, or some other random item. The perk of being close by is that my parents can usually drop it off within the next 24 hours or mail it to me by the middle of the week.

3. I am not a fan of my Twin XL dorm room bed...

... so, a few nights of sleep at home every once in a while really hits the spot. Add on the fact that crashing at home usually means Dad's scrambled eggs for breakfast too and I'm sold. Definitely a top benefit.

4. My parents get to support me.

My parents rarely missed a game or competition in high school. It always felt good to know they were in the stands watching me. And because I decided to locate myself a town away for the next four years, they're usually here for every Carolina game day as well. Best cheerleaders around.

5. My siblings get to visit too.

I'm not so sure I could convince my parents to put my brother on a plane halfway across the United States to hang out with me, but being close by means that he can drive over to watch a baseball game with me any weekend. Plus, introducing him and his friends to college girls got me major cool sister points.