You may hear that it's a good idea to stay in your college town on the weekends and build community. Community IS one of my favorite words, BUT going home is not something anyone should look down on or talk you out of. Going home releases stress and allows you to relax and recharge for the upcoming week.

Going home is needed sometimes.

While your dorm and new town will slowly become home, your own bed and puppies will always be your true home.

Going home opens many possibilities and opportunities for the weekend and like I said, sometimes it's much needed.

1) The car ride

Whether the drive is 30 minutes or 3 hours, alone time is always good. From jamming to your favorite Pandora station, or using the whole time to talk to God or worship him, alone time in the car doesn't have to be boring or miserable. Take the time to unlock and let go of the previous stressful week, and allow God to be your peace.

2) Sitting on the couch

There is something about sitting on your own couch curled up with a blanket watching tv. Spending Saturday with family watching football is a wonderful thing.

3) Home cooked meals

This one doesn't need to be explained. Mom making your favorite meal HAS to make your week be better.

4) Cuddling with your dog

Who doesn't miss their dog when not with them? My dog greets me, then follows me around in fear that I'm going to leave him again. Simply having your furry pal laying down next to you is a serious stress relief.

5) Mom and dads bear hugs

THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN MOM AND DAD GREETING YOU WITH BEAR HUGS.

6) Unending amount of food in the pantry

When opening up the door of the pantry you have multiple choices from snacks, to goodies, to lunch/dinner ideas. Definitely a step up from your small stash of snacks in your dorm room.

7) Ceiling fans

While some dorms and living areas in college have ceiling fans, many do not.

8) Family games

Many people have moved away from family game night, but try it! It comes with plenty of laughs!

9) Laziness

Sitting around in sweatpants and fuzzy socks and forgetting the responsibilities that are required of you in the upcoming weeks.

10) Shopping

Going shopping with your family or just your mom is a great stress reliever even if you don't like shopping.

11) Lighting candles

If you live in a dorm candles are not ever allowed. Fall and Christmas candles keep the room calm and are a great way to relax.

12) Not wearing shower shoes

If you live in a dorm with community showers, flip flops are your best friend. When you go home, you don't have to wear shows in the shower!

13) Watching TV

If you don't have a TV in your dorm, you strangely begin to miss things like the evening news.

14) You don't have to wait for a washer to be open

Your dad might put a load in and have a few minutes left, but you're not fighting the girl down the hall for a washer.

15) Constant community

Your family has missed you so they want to hang out with you and do things. Therefore, you won't be lonely or bored.

Your family is excited to see you, and it's sometimes exactly what YOU NEED to relax and recharge for the upcoming week.