While freshman year of college was far better than any other year of school that came before it, sophomore year will no doubt come in first so far for a few reasons. With all its perks-independence, being close to class because of living on-campus, complete meal plan, and more-freshman year also had some low points (i.e. lugging two weeks worth of laundry up and down two flights of stairs, having to rely on buses as a sole mode of transportation, having to figure out how to cook as many foods as possible in a mini-Keurig, etc.).

Here are some upgrades that come with sophomore year:

I. Living in an apartment is invariably going to be better than living in a dorm because...

a. cooking now involves an actual stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher (*gasp*). No more making Ramen in a mug with the Keurig and washing is out in the bathroom sink! No more wishing you could make yourself eggs or grilled cheese but having literally no way to do so! It's an exciting prospect.

b. the laundry room is right there. Literally doing laundry will now involve walking about five steps across an apartment instead of two flights of stairs in a dorm building.

c. I no longer have to share a bathroom with 11 other girls. Me and one other person (my best friend luckily) will be sharing a bathroom this year and I couldn't be happier. The woes of sharing showers with that many other girls are endless and gross. I'll leave it at that.

d. AIR CONDITIONING. Maybe you were luckier than me and had AC in your dorm. Unfortunately in my dorm it was over 1,000 degrees year round and I wish I was exaggerating. As soon as the temperature drops below 70 and the room is finally cool enough to live comfortably in, they crank the heat on full blast with no way to adjust it and it stays that way until April. I can't wait for that thermostat.

II. Having a car will be a blessing for a few reasons like...

a. not being trapped on campus indefinitely. Don't get me wrong, if I had to be trapped anywhere, JMU is the best option, but it does get a little old having to take a bus to Walmart (and asking for favors from those with cars). I can't wait to be able to drive to get my own groceries!

b. having to take fewer buses. JMU transit is not the most reliable-ask anyone. Now, I don't have to watch the bus I need to take to get to class on time slowing rolling away from the stop five minutes early when I can't possibly run to catch it in time. Also, I can walk to my car and leave right then instead of having to wait for the bus that will undoubtably be late.

III. Not having to take as many GenEds is going to make my schedule so much nicer. Geneds are the kinds of classes that can be the absolute best or literally the worst periods of your life to date. Since I can't take that kind of inconsistency in life, I can't wait to begin taking classes that I've picked 100 percent for myself.

IV. Joining more organizations is a prospect that now becomes feasible because as a sophomore you're generally more settled and ready to take on some extra activities. Maybe I'll join a hiking club or a capella group-you never know?! Also this leaves room for becoming more involved in the organizations your already involved in.

V. Not being a freshman. In general, no longer being the new kid is going to be refreshing. Specifically,

a. I won't get lost going to class (probably). I know my way around most of campus (a statement I never thought I'd make-JMU is pretty big), so finding classes will definitely be a lot less stressful than it has been in the past.

b. I know the best places to eat on campus already. I swear last year me and my roommate found a new dining facility every month of freshman year.

So, although freshman year of college was still one of the best years of my life, here's to sophomore year; hopefully it's even more incredible than the last!