The end of August is upon us, and whether you like it or not, all across the nation college students are returning to campus. You may have one week left of summer or one month, but the same situation confronts millions of students. Here’s 10 things to do with that last precious week before classes and dorm rooms and schedules:
1. Finish your summer reading list.
Or at least try to. Remember all your plans for sitting in the sun, drinking lemonade and reading a good novel? You have only one week left before school books crowd out any other time for reading, so go find a nice spot on the grass and get started.
2. Eat food.
Even if you are so lucky as to not have a mandatory meal plan for your college, nothing beats your mom's cooking. Plus, you don't have to pay for the food at your parents' house. You can starve later like the poor college student you are, but right now, you need to prepare for the famine ahead and eat that last piece of barbeque chicken.
3. Sleep.
This is another commodity that will be in short supply at college. Pull back the sheets, and let yourself hit the snooze a few times in the morning.
4. Spend time with your family.
Have as many family dinners as possible, plan game nights with your siblings or go on a walk with your parents. Soon enough, you'll be living on your own again. Make use of the opportunity to have deep conversations and laugh together while you still can.
5. Give as many hugs as possible.
Hug your brothers and sisters. Hug your dad. Hug your best friend. Hug your dog. Once you're at college, there's no substitute for the comfort of hugs from the people who know and love you best.
6. Prepare for your classes and fall schedule.
Whether or not you like to plan, this activity may seem like less fun, but trust me, ordering books on time and knowing what time your classes are will save you a lot of stress. Try putting your schedule on a Google calender and setting reminders on your phone. Start imaging what your days will look like once your back in the rush and rhythm of campus life.
7. Go on one last summer adventure!
This may be as simple as grabbing some blankets and going star-gazing or hitting up your favorite ice-cream shop with a friend. If you have more time, try to check off one of those items on your summer bucket list — go on a hike or a spontaneous road trip. Just ending your summer with some simple fun will help the transition to the school year.
8. Pack.
This one is pretty obvious, but no less necessary. Make sure that you have everything you need and nothing you don't, and always pack less clothes than you think you should.
9. Reflect on the past few months.
Transitions are never easy, but it helps to end one season with contemplation and self-reflection. What have been the highs and lows of your summer? How have you grown? Did you accomplish what you wanted to?
10. Say goodbye.
Whichever way you say goodbye to the places and people you love, leaving will be both exciting and saddening. Don't be afraid to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, and remember to look forward to the friends you'll be returning to at college!
