Summer is coming to an end, which means it's time to pack my bags and head back to school. For most people, they have only been apart from their respective colleges for a few months. Not having been at Penn State for a little over six months though, I am especially homesick.
I can not wait to walk around campus and downtown again, falling in love with these things all over again:
1. My friends.
FaceTime and Snapchat can only do so much. Nothing is better than hanging out in person and doing the little things together from late nights at the lib to just hanging out on the HUB steps. I can not wait to see everyone again and enjoy all of us being back together in my favorite place.
2. Game days and tailgating.
Nothing is more exciting than a football weekend at Penn State. The amount of energy and school pride is truly one of a kind. I can not wait to rock my blue and white outfits and enjoy the season with my friends.
3. The nightlife.
State College during the weekends, or anytime really, is seriously one of the most fun places for a night out with friends. Walking down Beaver Ave and hearing the music blasting from the apartments definitely sets the mood. Being 21 means hello bars and goodbye frat parties, and I am more than here for it!
4. The lib.
As much as I enjoy a night out, I also really like meeting up with friends the next day to discuss everything that happened. What a more productive place to do this than good old Paterno in between homework assignments. Definitely make sure to stop at Starbucks beforehand.
5. Jamba Juice.
Anyone who knows me knows that I can always be found here before class. Beth is seriously the sweetest employee ever and the smoothies/açaí bowls are the best on campus! After being in Italy and not having proper smoothies, I am beyond craving a trip to Jamba right now.
6. Pokey Sticks
If we talking food, then how can I not mention these Gumby's favorites. Perfect for late-night or study break snacks, I'll take two boxes, please.
7. Walks around campus.
Although many prefer to take the Bloop or the Whoop, I actually enjoy a nice walk to my classes. I like taking in the beautiful scenery and running into people I haven't seen in a while.
8. The location.
Everything is seriously so close to each other. Shoutout to whoever designed State College's layout. I love how the campus seamlessly transitions into the downtown area and then the fraternity houses. Nothing is more than a 15 to 20-minute walk, which is great considering I have to drive everywhere back at home. I am also a huge fan of the variety of places to eat both on campus and downtown.
Less than two weeks until I am finally back in the happiest of valleys and words can not express how ready I am for senior year!
See you soon State,
Ethan
Photo by 
