Flashback to me this time last year. Screaming to everyone about how I didn’t want to stay in New York for college because I didn’t want it to feel the same as it did at home. I wanted a whole new experience completely polar to the place I had lived all my life, and I expected that anywhere in the state would not allow me to have that.

Flash-forward one year as I write this article in Union’s library- the only school in New York I applied to- *insert cliché yet scarily true line about how we always end up where we belong- shout out to my mom for drilling that mentality into me*. Little did I know how wrong I was in assuming living anywhere but New York City would feel anything like, well... living in New York City. So I stand corrected, it is drastically different and although I couldn’t be happier here there are definitely things to be missed about home.

Here are some important things about NYC that I miss and will definitely appreciate 10x more once I return.

1. Convenience.

There's nothing like the shock of arriving in Schenectady and learning that the local Rite Aid is only open until 9. The luxury of walking to Duane Reade at 2 in the morning to get snacks is something I am deeply missing at the moment.

2. Being able to get around.

I had to have campus security take me to said Rite Aid. Not being able to just walk and no subways, cabs, or Uber (yet) makes for a very stranded city person.

3. Food.

Not even just eating the food, but being able to easily pick it up, Postmate it, or have it be delivered right to your door; It never hit me how lazy I apparently am before this gift was taken away. Of course, as far as food itself goes, West is a delicious option that I am (slowly) learning to deal with but... Serafina, Sushi of Gari, and Sabor A Mexico, I miss you.

4. Saying "the city" and having people understand.

At home, saying "the city" means NYC, but anywhere else it just confuses people. Which city? Which state? Where?

5. Walking.

There is a little part of me that misses walking down the street, blasting music in my headphones and not worrying about saying hi to everyone. I get this sounds antisocial, but until you've experienced the joy of listening to a killer playlist on full volume while walking to wherever you need to be, don't knock it.

New York City is a one of a kind place. Enough said.