Ah, college. Known as the best years of your life, mostly due to the freedom of not living with your parents and being independent. As summer is coming to an end and everyone is getting ready to get back into school mode, there are a lot of things we missed about good old Saint Peter’s University this summer. Don’t get me wrong. I love my little suburban town of Union Beach, where you can hear the crickets when you go to sleep and leave the doors unlocked. However, there are so many things I miss about my city life at SPU that I can’t wait to return to.

1. Everything is so close

The best thing about living in Jersey City is how everything is so close. You can literally walk anywhere you want to go, because everything is basically right next to each other. Even if you can’t walk, it’s a quick five-minute ride on any kind of public transportation that will take you anywhere you might want to go.

2. New York City

Location, location, location! Just a quick PATH ride and you’re in Manhattan before you know it. Not to mention the beautiful skyline view that can be seen from basically any window in the student center.

3. So. Much. To. Do.

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And of course, since New York City is so close, there is actually no way that anyone will complain that there isn’t something to do. Whether it’s a Broadway show, a walk in central park, or a fancy dinner in Times Square, there is always an adventure waiting to happen in NYC. Don’t feel like going to NYC? Downtown Jersey City is absolutely stunning. Newport Mall, cute restaurants, there is so much beauty to take in over there that you must check it out. Don’t forget about Hoboken if you want to get some quick shopping done and grab a bite to eat!

4. The sounds of the city

Let me tell you, there is nothing more soothing then the sound of car horns and alarms going off at all hours of the night. Seriously though, it puts your right to sleep once you get used to it.

5. The PATH and the subway

“Get your metro cards ready. We're going out tonight!”

6. Adventures

“Did you see that Insider Food video on Facebook on the rolled ice cream in China Town? Let’s go after class!” Want to see all of NYC? Jump on a subway and you’ll be in Queens or the Bronx, walking around and looking for something new to do.

7. The food

Do I even have to describe this one? Log on to Facebook and find a restaurant where you can find something amazingly delicious to eat and tell me it’s not close to Jersey City.

8. The dining hall

I know you’re missing the salad bar and the famous Sodexo cookies just a little bit. Just admit it.

9. The major classes

I literally have never found a course more exciting than my communications course. Let yourself fall in love with those classes and those professors because they will be able to help you out in the long run. I’m so excited to take my major courses for this year and see my favorite professors again.

10. Your friends

College is literally living with your friends. Don’t even tell me you don’t miss them and cannot wait to see them again.