Rewind the time—it’s now August and you’re leaving for school. You’re nervous about how your roommate will be (judging by her Facebook photos, we’ve all done it!), how you’re going to fit all your clothing into a tiny closet and what it will be like to shower in public showers. You wonder what you’re going to do without your parents, your pets and your siblings (as much as you deny it).
Now come back to reality. It’s May; you’ve just finished your freshman year. You’re worried about what you’re going to do all summer without your new friends, sorority sisters and favorite frat parties. What will it be like to be back at home with your parents, siblings, pets and old friends? Transitioning back home may be one of the most challenging things a college student has to deal with, especially after freshman year.
For me, coming home was probably the strangest thing ever. A lot of my friends had stayed home for college and hung out with each other. Coming back into my once comfortable environment turned into me being on the outside. At first I was obviously frustrated and didn’t really know what to do. But, after coming to my senses I realized that we could make new inside jokes and catch up on each other’s lives. Instead of focusing on college stories we focused on old memories but created new ones. My friends and I love going to the beach so we took a day trip to Seaside (as ghetto as it is on TV) and actually met the cast of Jersey Shore!
Another important factor was my parents. How would things play out now that I had lived away from home for a year? Sometimes, this works out to your benefit. I have an older brother so my parents knew how to handle the transition of a high school student to a college kid. They knew that I was used to doing things on my own time and my routine. Of course there are always house rules but as long as you talk to your parents things should be fine. Be honest with them about where you are and what you’re doing, and figure out ahead of time what the rules will be. Your parents know you have a different life and they know that together you will have to figure out something that works.
Finally, make sure you have something to do! Last summer I had a babysitting job every day from 9:30-3, which gave me enough time to work but hang out with my friends. In college you’re used to constantly hanging out with friends and having last minute assignments due. By keeping yourself busy, your summer will go by quickly and before you know it you’ll be back at ‘Cuse!