If you're like me, you just spent the majority of the past nine months or so away at college, out of state, miles and miles away from everything you have ever known. I love being away at school, but there is just something special about finally coming back home and remembering all the things you missed about New Jersey while you were away. Here are just a few of the best things about being able to call the Garden State "home."

1. Bagels

Obviously.

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2. The Beach

I know I know. I go to school in Miami, but the Jersey Shore will always have a special place in my heart.

3. Diners

Like real, authentic diners; not the highway Denny's that everyone else at school considers a "diner" (it is most definitely not).

4. The Parker House

I've heard this place is pretty #lit if you're 21, but even if you aren't old enough to actually go there, it's still really fun to drive by and people watch.

5. Point Pleasant Boardwalk

With mini golf, rides, food, an aquarium, and so much more, Jenkinson's Pavilion has something for everyone; plus, it's a lot less trashy than Seaside.

6. Hoffman's Ice Cream

There's no better way to end a beautiful summer beach day.

7. Surf Taco

If I see someone down at school with a Surf Taco computer sticker or bumper sticker, I automatically know that we could be great friends.

8. PNC Concerts/Stone Pony Summer Stage Concerts

Nothing quite like watching the sunset from the PNC lawn on a warm summer night with your best friends.

9. Pizza

Another given, but I couldn't not include it on this list.

10. Being close to the city (NYC and/or Philly)

We were lucky enough to grow up a short train ride away from two of the coolest cities in the world, and it's great to be back.

11. Being back with family and friends

As much as we all said we couldn't wait to get away from our families and put high school behind us, it's so great to come home to some of your #dayones (even if you're a little dysfunctional together).

So eat all the pizza and bagels you can stomach these next few months. We're truly lucky to say that we come from the place we do.