Forgetting about what you can’t seem to forget
Every summer, after spending that amazing, fun-filled three to four months at home, we have to return back to our perspective universities. Regardless of what college you attend or what year in school, we have small hiccups throughout each semester where we are reminded of what we are missing at home. Whether fall break, thanksgiving, or those beautiful summer months, going home is inevitable, but the reality is returning to school.
It is always nice to go home to the Panera that is a block away from your house, the massive mall just a car drive away, and of course mom and dad. It is important to remind ourselves that college is a home away from home. Sure, it’s a more condensed version of our two story houses, and maybe Panera is saved for special occasions, but all in all, your college dorm, sorority house, or apartment is where the heart is. Sometimes, we get caught up in how great home can be—and not having to do our own laundry is a plus—but there are ways to combat the homesick feelings when returning to school.
1. Plan a welcome home night with your friends.
Not seeing college friends for an entire break is more than enough reason to plan something for everyone’s return. The dining hall might not be the first place you want to see after being home. Try ordering from your favorite Chinese restaurant, picking out a favorite movie, painting nails, and gossiping about all of the things you did over break. This will not only bring you closer to your group of girls, but it will be a great way to avoid any nostalgia for home.
2. Do your homework before your break.
We all know what catch up work feels like: stress and anxiety. To say the least, it is not a welcoming feeling to have when returning to school. If you are going on fall break or thanksgiving break, getting all of your work out of the way before you go home can not only take the worry away, but can also help avoid pressure when coming back to school. Clearing your schedule for when you return to school can open up time to catch up, slow down, and ease yourself back into college mode.
3. Introduce your friends to your college life.
A huge part of seeing your friends from home after a couple months is definitely reminiscing on all the things you miss most. But, don’t forget to tell them how amazing college life has been! Opening up to your friends about your new life will help you realize that you do truly have a home away from home. Your friends are going to be excited to share about their college life and to hear about yours. Sharing that crazy story from Greek week or about your hilarious biology professor will bridge the gap between home life and university life. It is okay to miss college just as much as you miss home. And trust me, it will happen.
4. Shop! Shop! Shop!
This may seem like a simple piece of advice, but let’s face it ladies, not all of these college campuses have premium shopping. Feel free to go on a mother/daughter-shopping spree at your favorite stores at home. This will not only give you a chance to catch up with mom, but you’ll have all new looks to show off once your at college. Now that is truly something to get excited for.
5. Don’t forget, college is home too.
The purpose of breaks is to literally take a break from college life and relax a bit. Going home after being in college is like a little vacation time. It’s time to slow down, catch up on sleep, family, and all that other important stuff. But, college is everyday life. College is school, your best friends, your tiny dorm room, (which you love just as much as you resent) and last but not least, a home away from home! Coming back to school should be just as exciting as leaving for your hometown. We are allowed to miss where we grew up, but let’s be honest, college is the best four years of our lives. Moral of the story, don’t let homesickness bring you down, there are ways to avoid it without letting go of what you can’t forget.