When in college, we all have moments of homesickness. The closer you are to home, the easier it is to return as often as you like. many people frown upon college students returning home too often and as a result "not getting the full college experience. Still, there's a lot to be said for coming home for a weekend just to catch your breath. There are many benefits to returning to your roots for a few days. Here are the main ones.
Food.
Not everyone's mom is a gourmet chef. But, in almost all cases, I think we can agree that the food we have at home is a few notches above college dining hall quality. At home, things are more authentic. Not only that, it's easy to forget what eating with your family is like. I often forget how nice it is to eat in front of the TV in the serenity of my living room. Not having to get in line every time you want more food is another forgotten bonus. Perhaps most importantly, the variety of food at home is something that college dining halls simply can't match. Upon returning home, you have access to a full fridge, microwave, toaster, and yes, a fully stocked pantry. And it is glorious.
Your home bed and bathroom.
Don't get me wrong, I have grown accustomed to the college dorm lifestyle. All things considered, my bed is pretty comfortable. What's more: sharing a bathroom with 30 other guys does build a sense of camaraderie. But, there is no greater feeling in this world, than your home bed after you've been away from it for weeks. After a long set of weeks on end, constantly being on the go, you've finally returned to your bedroom. And that pillow is just as soft as when you left. As far as the bathroom goes, it takes a while to get re-accustomed to having so much counter space. It's weird being able to shower without worrying who will come in and shower right next to you. But, the peace of mind that ensues after you get re-acclimated to your own bathroom is a wonderful thing.
Family.
You may not think this belongs at the top of the list, but trust me, it does. In high school, and especially towards the end, I had my fair share of disagreements with my parents. Siblings, as a rule of thumb, are also an annoyance. But, after you've been away from your family for an extended period of time, that all changes. All the little things that used to annoy you about each family member just don't mater anymore. There's something very comforting in returning home and knowing that there are people out there who always do care about you. Sometimes, in college, it's easy to forget that our families even exist. But we must remember that they are always there, and they'll always welcome us back home with open arms.
