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4 Reasons To Go Home For Thanksgiving

Going back home after half a semester at college can create mixed feelings, but here are four reasons it is a good idea.

Nov 13, 2018

Thanksgiving, for many college students, is the first time they will return home since they first left for college. It can certainly be a mixed bag of feelings. While parents are always excited to see their kids back, the kids aren't always as joyful. They've made a new life at college, and going back can feel like returning to old ways and old habits; often things they don't want to go back to. Here's a list of five reasons why this trip is always worth it.

It means more to your family than you think

They might not make it clear, but your family misses you more than you know. Imagine having someone in your life every day for 18 years, only for them to disappear for 3 months. Even if you talk to your family every day, they still feel like you are gone from their lives. You might feel the same too. This is a chance for you to reconnect and strengthen your bonds.

2. Seeing your friends is a reminder of why you are who you are

Old friends will (hopefully) always be there for you. Your high school friends shaped the person you are, for better or for worse. It might be hard to hear, but you've changed since you came to college. Going back to the people that shaped your basic personality can reaffirm the things that might have been lost by the new people you've met at college.

3. Take a break from your new life to remember the old you

Remember all of your old hobbies from high school? Did you take them to college with you? If not, Thanksgiving is a chance to get back to the things you enjoy. Maybe you simply didn't have time because of homework, or maybe you didn't think it was cool, but hobbies are part of who you are. Ignoring the things you enjoy is never a good idea.

4. Changing the environment around you can affect your entire outlook

Being trapped in a dorm room is hard, even if you don't think it is. Be honest, how many times have you left campus this semester? Ten? I'd bet my left pinky toe that you've spent 80% of your time in your dorm. Going home to your old room and getting off campus can change your outlook. Maybe the colors on campus are just too bright and happy, and you need for the world to be just a little bit softer for a while. Maybe it will make you appreciate the beauty of your campus more when you come back. Maybe your campus isn't nice, and you need to go home to your nice clean house. No matter what, the change can do you good.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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4 Reasons To Go Home For Thanksgiving

Going back home after half a semester at college can create mixed feelings, but here are four reasons it is a good idea.

It means more to your family than you think

2. Seeing your friends is a reminder of why you are who you are

3. Take a break from your new life to remember the old you

4. Changing the environment around you can affect your entire outlook

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

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