As the school year comes to an end, I’m coming to the realization that in a few short months I am going to be starting my junior year of college at UMass Amherst. Just the other day I was attending New Student Orientation and wondering what college would have in store for me. I blinked and here I am, halfway done, with new friends, many memories, and too many trips to Late Night at Berk. Not only will this be a list of all the things I am currently missing about UMass while I am quarantined, but it’s also a reminder of all the things I sometimes forget to appreciate while I am there. It is a reminder to never take things for granted and is a time capsule for me to look at when the next two years go by even faster than the last two. UMass, here is what I miss about you (in no specific order):
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Being surrounded by a bunch of like minded young adults, who I am so thankful to call my peers.
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All my beautiful friends.
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The dining halls (I promise I love your cooking mom, but nothing beats Late Night at Berk).
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Being able to go anywhere at any time (quarantine is what I imagine having really strict parents is like).
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Walking around the campus that I am so lucky to call my second home.
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Dancing for the UMass Dance Club.
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Late-night drives around Amherst, MA.
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Ordering food from the Hangar Pub and Grill.
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The Integrative Learning Center (i.y.k.y.k. where the best spot to study is).
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Sleepovers every single night with my roommate.
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Girls night in my dorm room.
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Having a routine (and yes, this means I miss classes too).
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All outfits are acceptable (even when you roll out of bed for an early class).
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Meeting new people every day.
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Free fitness classes at the Recreation Center.
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Sports games (and by that I mean tailgates, let’s be honest).
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Being able to get a coffee in every building.
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Studying with a view in the library (you make finals week a little better).
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Insomnia Cookies.
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Warm days on campus where everyone is outside.
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Meeting people at Blue Wall for lunch.
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Weekend activities (shhh, I am definitely not talking about parties).
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The breathtaking sunsets at Orchard Hill.
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That feeling when you walk into a new class and you realize five of your friends are in it too.
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The sense of pride and camaraderie that comes with being a student at UMass Amherst.
From long walks to class, to hanging out with my best friends until 3 a.m., quarantine has been a time of reminiscing on all the things I love about UMass Amherst. Next semester when I catch myself stressed during midterms or tired of the constant work (hopefully while being on campus), I am going to remind myself of this list. I am so glad that two years ago I committed to this amazing university. I’d like to give a big thank you to every professor, advisor, and friend who has made UMass a second home.
All images courtesy of the Her Campus Media Library