There's no place like home, but there really is no place like Long Island. From Queens to Montauk, Long Island has been my favorite place for as long as I can remember. Being 600+ miles away from my home nine months out of the year makes me miss and love it that much more. When I get home from a long semester away at college there are a few must-dos that have to happen right away.

1. Say hi to my mom!

Hi, Mom! Being about 12 hours away from school, my dad is usually the one to make the trek out to Ohio. Before I even get through my front door my mom is usually waiting for me on the front lawn. Giving my mom a hello hug is always the first thing on my to-do list.

2. Say hi to my dog!

Nothing excites me more than seeing my dog after being away from him for three months.

3. Meet up with friends.

Moving away from my best friends was one of the hardest choices I had to make, but knowing that they'd be there every time I come home to catch up made the choice that much easier.

4. Wake up and get a good 'ol New York bagel.

My go-to is a sausage egg and cheese on an egg bagel and there are few breakfast items that hit the spot better than that.

5. Get a New York pizza with friends.

Does this one even need an explanation? There really is nothing better than New York pizza.

6. Hit the beach!

It doesn't matter if it's the middle of December or the middle of July, I always find myself down at the beach with my friends. Being landlocked in Dayton, OH makes me miss the ocean like nothing else.

7. Get brunch.

From Jam to Morning Rose to Brownstones, Long Island has some amazing brunch spots that are unparalleled in Ohio or many other places I know of.

8. Visit a lighthouse.

If any Long Islander says they don't love to see a lighthouse then there very well may be something inherently wrong with them. That's an exaggeration, of course, but only slightly.

9. Visit a vineyard.

Long Island is home to some of the best vineyards. From the north shore to the south shore, Long Island is littered with some vineyards that are can't-miss pitstops. Even if you're underage, most vineyards are open to everyone. So even if you can't enjoy the wine, the sunshine, gorgeous views, and atmosphere are free for everyone to enjoy.

10. Get in the water.

It may only be a good idea to find yourself in the waves of the Atlantic after May, so maybe save this one for summer break.

11. Hit all of your favorite tourist spots because, why not?

From Coney Island to the Giant Duck, everyone has a tourist spot that has a piece of their heart.

12. Hit the city! You know the one...

The City. If you're from Long Island you probably don't call New York City anything BUT The City because, c'mon, it's the only one you grew up knowing like the back of your hand. No Long Islander can resist a quick trip on the LIRR into the greatest city in the world for a day trip to see a Broadway show or THE Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and to walk fast like a maniac down a crowded street.

So when you're finally home from school and need a massive dose of Long Island, you never have to venture far to find it.