Each college student has that one place we all call home. No matter the state, coast, or even country, home is home. As Dorothy famously said while clicking her magical ruby slippers together, "There's no place like home." You may be quick to head back into the college mentality, but take some time to enjoy those things and people that you cannot take back to college. After all, most of us will be spending the next four to five months without our friends, family, and hometown favorites.
Dine At Your Go-To Restaurants
Whether it's a local coffee shop, a better than Chipotle Mexican Grill, a delicious pizzeria, or small-town Italian restaurant, you won't find these places on your college campus. Catch up with your friends you haven't seen for months and won't see again for a few more over your favorite coffee, ice cream, burrito, or Italian dish.
You could also grab your favorite pizza while having a movie marathon or game party with your friends and family. It's also okay to just go eat at your favorite restaurant on your own. Alone??? Yes, it is important on your much-deserved break to take some time for yourself. Winter break is meant to be the time where you decompress and relax from the previous semester while gearing up for the next. It is your time, and if you need some time to yourself, then that is okay too.
Sleep! Sleep! Sleep!!!!
With the second semester unfortunately quickly approaching, sleep should be on of the things on your mind. How much can I sleep before school starts? With practice, 20 credit hours, and studying, how much sleep will I really get? How many naps can I take throughout the day between my classes? As a college student, sleep is a mere dream. Between athletics, demanding professors, and let's face it, college parties, sleep is very difficult to come by. We are always tired and only getting through the day because we know our pillow and bed are awaiting our return. Take advantage of sleeping in because you know that horrid 8 a.m class, 6 a.m. workout, or all-nighter is coming your way oh too soon. Enjoy sleeping in your own bed because as we all know, dorm beds are extremely uncomfortable. All I can say is catch up on those zzzzzzzs!
Spend Time With Your Pets
Most of us consider our pets a member of our family and even when our family visits us at college, most pets, unfortunately, do not tag along. I can't count how many times I hear my friends at college say, "I miss my puppy" or "I miss my cat." Whether you miss riding your horse on your favorite trail, cuddling with your puppy or cat, or simply playing fetch, you won't be able to do so back on campus. Spend as much time with your pets as you can.
Binge-Watch Netflix
Netflix is one of the most dangerous things in a college student's life. Why get that paper done a few days ahead or study for that Chem exam next week when you can watch another episode of your favorite TV show? It is a constant battle that your laptop/smartphone screen wins over the books. Pop some popcorn, grab a fleece blanket, make a cup of tea, hot cocoa, or coffee, and catch up on your Netflix list. Soon your laptop screen will be full of Chem slideshows, English essays, and exam reviews.
Spend As Much Quality Time With Your Family As Possible
"Family, like branches in a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one." -Unknown
No matter how hard you try to "adult" and be on your own, you miss your family. You do NOT have to label yourself "homesick," but you do have to acknowledge that you will miss your loved ones from time to time. Even if you hate to admit it, you miss them and they miss you. Spend as much time with your parents, siblings, and extended family as much as possible before returning to college. Whether it's a family favorite movie, game night, sporting event, or simply hanging with the fam, you'll surely create some laughs and memories to last the semester.
You love them and they love you.
Spend Time With Your Friends
"True friendship is not being inseparable, it's being separated and nothing changes." -Unknown
Your friends at home are those you want to thoroughly explain every juicy detail to from college. They are the ones who welcome you home with endless hugs, selfies, and junk food. You miss them while you are away, so spend as much time with them before another dreadful goodbye. To those of you that have your own Meredith to your Cristina (or vice versa) like I do, then you know the true meaning of "You're my person" or the occasional "You'll always be my person." My "person" is actually "person" in my phone's contact list because well, she is my person. My person is that one individual I go to for everything and tell everything to. We have endured this long distance friendship for four years. We know that distance is no match for us because each time we see each other, it is as if no time has passed. We act just as crazy as the last time. Your "person" or your "people" are vital to your life. Take advantage of the time you have with them before the late night FaceTimes and phone tag games with five-minute voicemails start up again.
Apply For Summer Jobs
While most of your friends are spending their last days sleeping or traveling back from paradise, apply early for a summer job. Some students have the preconceived notion that they can easily get a job once they return home, but that is not the case. There are hundreds even thousands of college students that have the same idea so apply for as many as possible before you head back to campus. Then you don't even have a chance to procrastinate applying while you have countless distractions at school. If you apply early, then you will also have some extra cash to either spend over the summer or save for your next year at college.
Chow Down on your Favorite Home-Cooked Meals
Each of us have our favorite home-cooked meals made by our mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa. Even the talk of our favorite dish can make our mouths water. Homemade Italian turkey or enchiladas made by mom are always on my mind when I am at school and are on the top of lists to be made when I am home. Whatever your favorite dish is, make sure and eat it while you can before unappetizing college cafeteria food awaits.
