Number 1: Finances.
Before going to University you know you're going to be financially independent, whether you have the full loan or the basics. I know that before uni i figured out how much each week i could give myself for food, drink, emergencies, beauty products etc... But as expected i didn't stick to it. I mean food costs so much more than expected, the weekly shop may last the entire week but i still end up going to the local tesco for cravings. Having to pay every time to need a wash doing. Don't be thinking you can just wash a piece of clothing if you need it, you have to wait until your wash basket is a full capacity and there is nothing left you will need to wash. Every penny counts. Splashing out isn't even a thing anymore.
Number 2: In relation to that, good food.
Until you are in the position of living away from home you will not yet know the joys of going home and having a cooked meal, treats, food on tab. OMG. At uni i have to think if i am allowed to eat something first, if it will effect my meals for the week. But going home is, GLORIOUS, opening the fridge and picking out anything i want. With the weekly shop on a tight tight budget i need to make sure that i stick to it and unfortunately chocolate, biscuits, ice cream etc just don't ever seem to make the cut.
Number 3: Normal Furniture.
This one sounds strange but being able to sink into a sofa, relax at a dining table, watch an actual TV screen, being able to put your mug on a coffee table, being able to go into a room that isn't your bedroom, toilet or kitchen. Living rooms are a real sense of home and being able to just chill in one is one thing i miss when at university.
Number 4: Separation of work and relaxing.
I have gotten to the stage where i revise in my room but seen as that is the room i sleep, watch tv and relax, i never know when to stop work and relax. Everthing is one big blur and i end up doing nothing with my days. Except going into university, you work then because it's a work environment but you just don't know where to start and end with work whilst in halls. The distractions are pretty much everywhere.
Number 5: Still being able to get away with being a child.
Now this is a big one. At home you can get away with being a child because although we are technically adults we are living with our families. At university you have to fend for yourself, do everything independently, TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. At first that is fantastic but when you go home and you get that little break from defending yourself you really appreciate childhood. I may be 19 but gosh i feel like a 40 year old with a mortgage and 3 kids with the amount of responsibility i feel i have. I don't think I'm going to cope when i am actually 40 with a mortgage.
Number 6: cleanliness/washing.
Living in a clean and tidy environment is something we all pretty much have at home. But in university you don't get that. People will use a plate and just leave it out dirty for days. They'll use your things and not wash them up. I have officially run out of cutlery but it is all dirty on the side of the sink from others using it. Your room can instantly become dirty at university if you aren't careful. So when you do get that chance to go home, the clean environment is something you really cherish.
Number 7: Having everything with you.
I mean i can't tell you how many times i've thought i'll wear something then realise it is still at home. Wanting to watch a film or read a book and realising you didn't bring it back to university with you. The same applies when visiting home, you'll bring back everything you feel you'll need and want but when you get there you know you've made the wrong decisions. You'll bring back the wrong clothing, you would have forgotten at least two things you need. Having everything in one part of the country does help.
Number 8: Structure and meaning to your day.
Seriously, i have never been the ape of person to have a nap mid-day or even just think at 4pm i have nothing left to do today let's just go to bed. I have washed over 70% of the things available on Netflix. When going home there is always something to do, somebody to meet. Whereas at university i can literally get up, go uni, come back and go straight to be just because i don't have anything else to do with myself. Like right now i should be revising but i am procrastinating by writing this blog...which i am nearly at the end of typing...crap.
Number 9: finally, it's the company of people who truly know everything there is to know about you.
You can spend time with your family and then go spend time with your friends.You can have days just sitting and talking to somebody, catching up on everything you've missed, being happy just to be with this person without using FaceTime or Skype to talk. Where as at Uni you are pretty much living in the pockets of the same people 24/7. I mean i am constantly paranoid that i am annoying those who live with me just because they see so much of me. At home if you are in crisis mode or something is happening with a friend or relationship your family and friends from home know you're entire history to base their opinions on. At university you get the general answer to your problems which ends up confusing you more.
In complete polar to this post here is a great post about 22 things you take for granted at University which you should check out. http://www.buzzfeed.com/jemimaskelley/lol-online-lectures-ok#.xvvWMompm