Throughout elementary, middle and high school, the end of summer is a dreaded time — a time that may even be filled with tears. Meanwhile, once the college stage is reached, the start of a new semester is an exciting and joyous occasion.

Anyone not in college probably does not understand the strong desire to be back at school. Here are seven reasons behind the desire just to give everyone the picture.

1. College students do not have their friends living nearby the entire summer.

After being away from the friends that we had spent hours, days, and months with, it is difficult to not have them a short walk away. The reuniting of these friends could be more than an emotional experience.

2. College students get to set up their dorms/ apartments/ rooms anyway they want.

There is no one to say "that's too many pictures" or "my mother made me use this" or anything like that...except the roommates of course.

3. College students have no bed times.

The high school students may like to say they do not have a bed time either, but they still have parents or guardians around that can punish them for not sleeping. In college, it is all on your own and your own fault for not sleeping.

4. College students have all the freedom.

In college, there is no mother to tell you to eat a vegetable with every meal or not to get two desserts. College students can do all the dumb (but probably fun) things, such as riding their mattress down the stairs. (No, mother, I have never actually done this...yet.)

5. College students constantly get a new start.

Beginning college is a new start all together, but with each semester, there are also new starts. What club can I join? What different classes am I taking? What dorm or apartment am I living in? Who is/are my roommate(s)? Will I play an intramural sport? Everything a college student does when beginning the new semester presents new opportunities.

6. College students get a roommate their own age.

As a college student you may or may not share a room back home, but chances are if you do it is with a younger or older sibling. As much as you may love or hate sharing a room, it is pretty cool to share with someone your own age rather than someone on a different life step.

7. College students miss constantly having food at easy access.

College students will most likely constantly complain about dining hall food, but that does not make it any less convenient. Being able to walk to the building next door and use a meal plan to eat rather than taking the time to go buy, make, or find food is a much better option.

So to the youngsters who will be returning to elementary, middle or high school, "back to school" signs and commercials may be a nightmare, but college students see it as an anxious thing. The countdown is on for college students, and we all plan to fully enjoy what we have missed all summer with the upcoming semester.