Hard to believe the only things separating me from now and the end of my freshman year are a couple of final exams. Speaking of, I should probably be studying for those, but thinking back on this year is much more appealing. When you think about college, everybody talks about the crazy parties or the huge tailgates and football games. These are all great, but when it comes down to it, it's the little things about college that made my freshman year so special.

1. The first day it gets above 55 degrees and everyone sits by the lake

Winters here are harsh, so when the weather finally is decent, the Terrace will be packed. Don't be surprised if you see people jumping off the docks or boating around the lake.

2. Mac and cheese pizza

This is a staple when it comes to late-night food. I was critical at first, but to my surprise, mac and cheese goes surprisingly well with pizza.

3. Talking with our neighbors so late that we fall asleep in their room

We've talked about anything and everything in their room making for some very late nights. When you are living in such close proximity to people, it's easy to get so comfortable with them that you don't have a problem just falling asleep with everyone in there.

4. Great water pressure in the showers

I had low expectations for the residence hall bathrooms, but unbelievably, the water pressure is actually better than any place I've ever taken a shower.

5. A stocked mini fridge

At this point in the year, my roommate and I have almonds, peanut butter, two granola bars, and an apple in our room. I can't help but think about better times when after our parents would visit and take us grocery shopping.

6. Classes that don’t start before 11 a.m. 

I can't even fathom waking up at seven in the morning like I had to do in high school. Waking up on my own, having breakfast in the dining hall, and taking my time in the morning is a blessing.

7. Letters from home

It's always nice when I walk past my mailbox and see an envelope sitting in there. Even when you're having fun at college, it is okay to miss home.

8. Both washers and dryers available when I walk into the laundry room

If you're like me, you wait to do laundry until you absolutely have to, so there are multiple loads. However, with limited washers and dryers, usually I'd get there, and there would be one left if I was lucky.

9. Study breaks to get chicken wings from the dining hall

Having the dining hall right outside my dorm is both a blessing and a curse. The wings are so accessible, and I've gotten them way too many times, but they do make for a great study break.

10. Movie nights with friends on my floor

Some of the best nights are simply staying in, getting some pizza and ice cream, and watching "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."

11. Conversations with Uber drivers

I once had an Uber driver who was dressed up as Santa. He had Christmas lights and stockings filled with snacks in the back of the car. Of course, he was also playing Christmas music.

12. Insomnia Cookies at two in the morning

Enough said.

13. My best friends just a few doors down

Crazy to think that the people I've met this year are going to be some of my best friends for life. I'll definitely miss walking only a couple rooms down the hall to see them.

These are the moments that made up the year that I will remember forever.