Hello Hawkeyes! From the moment I moved into college, there was at least one person a day looking forward to the Holiday season and winter break. I didn’t understand, college was awesome, challenging, a giant field of learning experiences, and so much more. Why my peers were looking forward to winter break, I didn’t understand. Until, I spent a month at home and truly learned how my life had changed since moving to Iowa City.

There were so many refreshing things about being home.

Family is the obvious one. I missed my siblings SO much. After my oldest sister moved out from home, I became the oldest (and most protective big sister over my brother and sister). I watched them grow for five years and took every opportunity I had to teach them something new.

Being home with my siblings and parents was amazing. We talked, joked, and ate family dinners just like before.

I saw my closest friends from home and we picked up just where we had left off. We ate dinners, talked into the dead of night, and reminisced on our times together in high school.

While I was thankful for this time at home, I realized how much the University of Iowa had changed my life and all the things I missed about it.

We’ll start with the simple things I missed (and craved)

• Starbucks iced coffee from the main library
• Z’Mariks Noodle Cafe
• Walking downtown
• Studying at Tippie (the college of business)
• The access to a fitness center steps away

Beyond these things I longed for over break, I missed being close to people. When I say close, I mean close.

I went from living steps away from my best friends to having to work really hard to create plans with friends from home again. Which don’t get me wrong, I didn’t mind organizing plans with my friends from home but, I missed the simplicity of walking a couple of doors down and having multiple people to talk to and talk about my day with.

Living on campus this first year has brought me so much joy. There are so many things close within reach and yet, take time to notice.

I guess what I am trying to say is, adjusting to college is interesting. There were so many new things to get used to but, once I was used to them being home wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

You learn so much your first semester of college and all of it is for the better. You’ll want to go home, yes. It will be great, yes. But, if you’re truly where you’re meant to be, you’ll miss campus and all of its beauty, you’ll miss your hall mates, and you’ll miss the local food chains you can only get downtown.

Iowa City has become my home and I couldn’t be happier.