This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Brandeis chapter.
As we all know, this upcoming weekend is Fall Fest. This means that you might just be getting a much-anticipated (or dreaded) visit from the people who raised you. Here are some tips on how to adequately prepare for this inevitable time of year.
1. Pretend like you clean on the regular
If there’s one thing most parents hate, it’s mess. Now’s the time to make your bed, kick all of your empty ramen containers under the bed, and try to figure out how the vacuum works that’s been sitting in the box since August. But of course your dorm room is ALWAYS spotless, right?
2. Plead stressed-out college student
I don’t know about you, but when my parents visit, I usually make sure they don’t come empty-handed. Seeing your family members in person is always nice, but if you plead a little, you might also get some new fall clothes out of it, or some delicious treats to supplement dining hall food. Hey mom, we love you, and your homemade cookies.
3. Whatever you do, DON’T PROCRASTINATE HOMEWORK
While a lot of homework-doing happens on the weekends, this weekend will be taken up by hosting your parental unit. Try to get all of your work for the following week done before they arrive, otherwise you’ll be pulling out your hair and downing 5-hour Energys like nobody’s business come Sunday night.
4. Plan out all of the places you want to go that aren’t Bran-van accessible
If you don’t have a car on campus, getting where you want to go can be pretty tricky. I’ll certainly be taking this time to use my parents as my personal Uber service…unlimited free rides until they leave!
5. Look up the shows/events going on during this time, even though you haven’t been to any all year
“Oh yeah, I /always/ go to see the theater productions.” This is the time when your parents might request to see a show on campus. Of course, you probably haven’t been inside Spingold since orientation, nor have time to go to performances outside of your busy schedule. But hey, this is the one time you’ll get to see what some fellow Brandesians can do!
6. Just relax
Ultimately, parents weekend should be an enjoyable experience for you. Don’t worry about college stress too much, because this is the time to enjoy the beautiful Brandeis campus with your family.