Well, folks, we’ve done it. The school year is nearly complete. With another two semesters under our belts, it’s time for the majority of us to pack up and head back home for the summer. Leaving State College for four months is great for some, dreadful for others, and, overall, a giant melting pot of emotions. But, before you bid farewell to the town we all know and love, don’t get too upset nor too excited. It is an experience full of both positives and negatives.

Pro: No Classes

This one is self explanatory. If you’re taking summer classes, give yourself a pat on the back. Your work ethic should be admired.

Con: No Parties

If your favorite part of Penn State is the parties, you’re in for a rough summer. The underagers can try to relive their senior year and sneak shots in the basement of their parents’ house. This probably won’t be any more exciting than it sounds. If you’re over 21, hit the bar. There’s a good chance that the crowd will be much older than you are, but old people have money, and money means more drinks.

Pro: Predictable Weather

This one is dependent upon your hometown, but I hope for all of your sakes that you at least live in an area where the forecast is accurate and there isn’t sleet in the middle of April.

Con: Hometown Haters

Penn State is a university that some people love to hate. While we may be ignorant to this concept at school, few people from home allow you to forget it. When someone mockingly screams “WE ARE!” in your face, just keep it in the back of your mind. It’ll bite them in the ass next time they ask you to visit.

Pro: Stocked Fridge

If you live in a dorm, the micro-fridge is more of an insulated box than a refrigerator, and if you live in an apartment, a regular sized fridge is just a reminder of how little food your broke college self can afford. While at home, however, parents have a real talent of keeping that shit stocked. Whether you’re looking forward to fresh fruit, milk that isn’t expired, or mom’s leftover cooking, a fridge with more than a handle of Vlad and a box of Franzia is something we can all get excited about.

Con: Lifestyle Change

I dedicated the majority of my spring break to catching up on all my favorite Netflix series. My parents were not okay with this. When you move back home, you’re expected to like…do chores and stuff. Crazy, right? This can be a struggle, but try to suck it up. It’s only four months.

Pro: Free Laundry

Key Word: FREE.

Con: No LionCash

You hop in the car, drive to Chipotle, order your favorite burrito, and then all of a sudden realize you have to pay with real money. Weird.

Pro: Home Friends

You may forget the names of half the kids you graduated with, but there is nothing better than reuniting with your best friends from high school. These are the people that managed to stick with you through every deep, dark, awkward stage of puberty. Never take that for granted.

Con: Leaving Your College Friends

Like I said, returning to your home friends is awesome, but that doesn’t make leaving your college ones easy. It’s a hard transition when the distance between you and your best friends goes from 50 feet to 50 miles, but it becomes easier when you realize its the perfect excuse to take a road trip.

Pro: Summer Job

If you’re good enough at time management that you can balance having a job and getting good grades during school, I seriously envy you. For the rest of us, summer is a time to bask in the benefits of employment. With no income for the past eight months, the $7.75/ hour gig is a source of great fortune. Enjoy it.

Con: One Year Closer to Graduating

Yes, we are here to get a degree, but the thought of moving onto the “real world” is one that makes me sick to my stomach. I dread the day on which I have problems bigger than which gym to work out at, which study room to go to, and which smoothie to order at Irving’s. For all of you seniors, I’m sure you’re much more prepared for this transition than I am, and I wish you the best of luck!