8 Things I Took For Granted At College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

8 Things I Took For Granted At College

What "Zoom University" makes me miss.

53
8 Things I Took For Granted At College

It's no secret that college students have had to make a single decision that would drastically change their college experience for this fall semester. This decision has literally split opinions down the middle with schools having only about half of their normal student populations on campus. Speaking as someone who sadly made the decision to stay home for the semester, there are a few things I quickly realized I missed, even the little things.

1. Roommates 

As much as I complained about sharing a room for the first time in my life, there is definitely something nice about knowing there was always someone there. I think I can speak for the high majority of people when I say that parents aren't always the best roommates, especially when it's "their house their rules". Even if you weren't in the same major it was comforting to know someone was there to listen to all your stories, and maybe even walk across campus to grab some Starbucks no matter what time.

2. The Atmosphere 

Any college student will tell you that their college has a "feeling" when walking around the campus, and Penn State is no exception. One of the best things about Penn State is that you can walk anywhere on campus and you feel the sense of "family" or "community". There is truly no feeling like walking up Shortlidge or Bigler Road while it is snowing and you are trying not to slip on any possible ice.

3. The Food

I know, I know college food has such an interesting reputation, and it doesn't matter what school it is, everyone knows what you mean when you say "dining hall food". Though there is something about waiting in line and eating that food that just makes you say "ah yes, I am officially in college", which you can't get that feeling in your own house. Also, going to Taco Bell, well when it was there, or McDonalds at 2am on the weekend is truly a rite of passage for every college student.

4. Social Life

It is very simple: I miss my friends at school. Being an out-of-state student, about 99% of my friends don't live near me or even in my own state, which is a really sad reality. Even just walking to a lecture in the Thomas Building together or messing around in the library when we definitely should've been studying. I love my parents, but we do not have the same social life and I am severely deprived of my normal college social life.

5.  Cata Buses

Every student at Penn State has rode a CATA Bus at least once in their college career; it is inevitable. Whether it is snowing and you don't want to break your ankle trying to walk, or you woke up late and your class in over in Westgate and you live in East, the CATA Bus is an experience. There is just something about being stuffed like sardines in a bus and trying to find something to hold onto so you don't fall into the person next to you.

6. Classes

I think I speak for everyone when I say "Zoom University" is not the way to go to school, especially when you are used to being in person. Even though we have all had our share of falling asleep in an hour long lecture at 9am, there just isn't anything like being there. It is very hard to focus on Zoom when there are so many other distractions and it feels so hard to learn the material without the professor physically there. I can definitely say after this, I will never miss another class even if it is an early one.

7. Living Alone

Being back at home, for such a long period of time, just doesn't feel like I'm a college student. It makes me feel like I am back in high school, asking my parents "what's for dinner?" or "do we have plans? I want to do something". Not to mention after being on your own, you figure out your own schedule based on classes or food or even doing your own laundry. It is hard to feel like an adult when you get back into a routine that you were in when you were not one.

8. Sleep Schedules 

When I was at school, I stayed up until I fell asleep, even if it was way too early in the morning. While I will admit, it was never the best sleep schedule, it was nice to be able to dictate when I wanted to end my day, even just times to take a shower. I feel that I am living with the most boring roommates (love you guys) because my family goes to sleep so much earlier than me when they need to work the next night. I literally tiptoe around my house to try and get ready for bed because I don't want to be a "bad roommate".

While it is definitely a crazy time, there is such a need to go back to normalcy, and not just for college students. Something the coronavirus has taught everyone is that you don't know what you have until it's gone, and it has been a very hard pill to swallow. Hopefully by next semester, or just 2021 things get better and everyone continues to stay safe!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179656
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6767
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452158
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23111
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments