I go to school three and a half hours away from home. It's not a huge distance, but after living at home with my nuclear family, I began to realize there were certain things that I missed. Usually, students miss home-cooked meals or their bed, but here are some things that you don't normally realize that you miss.

Restaurants

Home:

If you're from the Lou, like me, you love St. Louis Bread Company. Even though Panera is the brand, it's still Panera Bread Company. But in St. Louis, that is rarely ever an argument. Or you could go to the hill to eat at Zia's.

School:

The choices are dorm food, dorm food, dorm food, Taco bell, McDonald's, or you can drive 45 minutes to Chipotle.

Walmart

Home:

For some odd reason, every Walmart is set-up different or at least feels that way. You start to realize when you come home you know exactly where the shampoo is and where the toilet paper is.

School:

Other places, it becomes a two-hour adventure just to find a can of chicken noodle soup.

Roads

Home:

You know how every road works and the speed limit (or the speed you can go without getting caught). Want to go to the gas station? You can probably name 3 different ways to get there and how long each will take.

School:

I don't even have a car at school, but the roads aren't great.

Your Home Church

Home:

I am Catholic and catholic mass is the same everywhere you go. But, being away from your home church is weird. Usually, on a Sunday, I could walk in and within 30 seconds say, "Hi!" to people I know.

School:

Being away, I rarely know anyone. You also know how long each service is and who's preaching you like the best. You know the music and the songs by memory.

Shower

Home:

It is nice to be able to get in the shower, knowing where your perfect water temperature sits, and where your soap is, all with your eyes closed. You know the water pressure is nice and who has used your shower.

School:

The water pressure isn't consistent. They always seem gross. And you have to move your stuff out of the shower.

Your Neighborhood

Home:

Your 'hood is where you're from and you take a lot of pride in it. You know all of your neighbors. You love walking around and taking your dogs for a walk.

School:

Your "Hood" is your dorm. As much as a cinder block building is aesthetically appealing...Plus, no dogs.

Even though I am a home-body and I love being home. It is nice to have something to look forward and get excited for...even if it is just Walmart.