Summer vacation is about half over for college students. Each year, those who go away for college have to decide if they would like to stay at school for three to four months or go back to their hometowns. This year, I chose to move back into my parents' house. While this decision has some benefits, such as saving money and quality time with my family, it also has many drawbacks.

One problem with going home for the summer is that everything has changed. When you are gone for eight months of the year, the city that you originated from is bound to have some differences. I was surprised with all of the things that were no longer the same from last September. Some things were small, and easy to get used to, such as road construction, or in my case, renovations to the Kwik Trip in my neighborhood. Other changes were hard to expect, such as your favorite stores and restaurants having closed or relocated. It can be strange to adjust, and on occasion, you might find that you no longer know your hometown as well as you once did.

Another problem with being home for the summer is you are often alone. All of your college friends are either miles away, or still at school. Your friends from high school have either stayed at school or are busy working. Either way, most of your time will be spent either by yourself or with your family. When your time with kids your own age is limited, your summer can become long and boring, and when you reach the halfway point, you'll be begging to go back to school, even if it means sitting through hour long lectures and writing English papers.

These are just some of the struggles students will face while home. In order to help you survive the summer, here are some thing you can do while you are home.

1. Get a summer internship or job. This will help you occupy your day, and you will get paid!

2. Ask your friends when they will be visiting. Make those days available to hang out and catch up!

3. Take part in local activities. These can be fun ways to help your community and meet new people.

4. Go on vacation. Whether it's camping or a road trip, you will be able to have fun and get away.

5. Spend some quality time with your family. You've been gone for months! Trust me, they miss you.

These are just some ways to help you. If they don't work, just remember, fall will be here soon enough!