This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mich chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

After weeks of late night study sessions, meetings, exams, and the chaos of college life, it is finally time to return home for a break. But between family commitments, holiday plans, and friendship duties, your previously romanticized break from school can feel anything but relaxing. Whether you’re traveling for part of the break, or staying home for the entirety, these strategies can help you set intentions and return to campus feeling recharged, and excited for school to start again.

Clean your space before you leave:

A stress free break starts before you leave the apartment, dorm, or college house. It is important to leave yourself a clean space to come back to. Remember, resetting after a break comes with challenges; homesickness, new routines and adapting. Make the adjustment easier and plan ahead. Clean out and wipe down your fridge. If you live in state, take home any clothes that you don’t wear, or that are out of season. These tasks will take under an hour, and will make the transition after the break so much easier.

Prioritize the people you miss:

Going home can feel overwhelming, it’s almost as if you have a whole life at home waiting for you. Although it’s important to stay in contact with friends from your hometown, choosing a few who still add value to your life can make scheduling far less stressful. A week before the break begins, try asking about your friends’ availability. If it feels important to see many people, consider planning a cute dinner or group event. By scheduling time with friends in advance, you’ll be able to leave room for other plans that are just as important.

Leave room for “me time”:

It is common to feel trapped in the obligations of splitting time between friends and family during breaks, but it is essential to have “me time” as well. Personally, if I don’t have time for myself in the calendar, the only time I do have is spent scrolling on TikTok in bed. We all need to prioritize spending time with ourselves and gaining independence. Consider booking a workout class, going on a walk, or picking up a book and cozying up on the couch. My plan is to attend my favorite yoga class at my home studio, and bake a healthy snack to bring back to campus at the end of break.

Do a light reset of academic habits:

Although a break should be mostly relaxing, it is important to keep your brain moving and learning. Try mapping out your next semester schedule, opening the syllabus early or clean out your email. The best way to tackle this challenge while maintaining a relaxing vacation is to pick one habit you want to work on and not a full overhaul.

Try a seasonal activity:

The worst thing you can do after a break is leave with “what if’s.” To avoid this, plan a fun and memorable seasonal activity. Go to the local cider mill, go ice skating, skiing, or drink hot chocolate by the fireplace with friends. Especially if you live in the cold, the best way to romanticize winter is by fully embracing it.

Prepare for your return early:

The easiest way to live stress free is to plan, plan, and plan. Make a list of all the things you need to bring back to school, buy a couple essential groceries for your mini fridge, and give yourself plenty of time for the drive, or flight back. It is also important to mentally prepare yourself; transitions are hard and it is so normal to feel homesick, out of sorts, or overwhelmed. Just remember that you will find a routine again!

Break goes by faster than we expect. By filling it with intention, break can be a positive experience for all, leaving time to see loved ones, try something new, and gain independence.

College Break Reset: How to Tackle Time Off With Intention