It’s happening to all of us. Any junior who just spent four months gallivanting across Europe, living on the beach in Australia, climbing mountains in South America or exploring the wildlife in Africa is now struggling with the reality of life at Duke, where grades are no longer pass/fail, and nights and weekends are spent studying instead of discovering a new city and uncovering new cuisines. So how do we readjust to the Duke bubble and the work-hard play-hard environment? Here are three ways to ease the transition back to reality.
1. Plan Ahead
While abroad, the realities of life take a backseat, and the “I’ll do it tomorrow” attitude comes to a forefront. At Duke, however, this mindset doesn’t work when it comes to dealing with rigorous classes, multiple extracurricular activities and the social life we all attempt (and succeed) to have. One way to end the reminiscing about when you could wake up with no responsibilities is to simply plan ahead. Make a schedule about what you should do each day or each week. This way, the hundred of pages of reading, job applications, and essays seem more feasible!
2. Expect Change
There is no comparison between Duke and abroad. Studying abroad involves weekly traveling, seeing the world, and hoping that this once in a lifetime experience never ends. However, if there’s one think I realized while abroad – it’s that I love Duke! I took the beauty of campus, the amazing food in Durham, the familiar nightlife, and everything else that encompasses this school for granted. Anticipating a change, but being excited for the semester, truly eases the transition. Although, I do miss London’s Big Ben, the chapel is the best replacement!
3. Plan a Visit
Already, I have begun thinking about my next trip, and the next time I will get to live “care-free,” surrounded by friends, trying new foods, and exploring the world. While I have yet to book a flight, I have begun talking with friends and narrowing down the places to go. Although, this trip will probably have to wait for graduation – it makes the transition home a bit easier.