Whether you look forward to it or you dread it, summer break is eventually going to come around right after finals week. On one hand there’s a multitude of reasons to love the time off from the schoolwork and perhaps even the people there, and sometimes nothing is more rewarding than a well-deserved break. On the other hand, the excitement of finally having a chance for some rest and relaxation can cause us to overlook some of the things we love and miss most about our home away from home. Here are just a few subjectivereasons why the summer is both the best and worst time of year.
PROS:
1. Sleep.
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Nothing feels better than finally catching up on your sleep schedule after numerous late nights cramming for exams. It’s finally time chill out and sleep in a few days, or if you’re more like me, it’s time to stay up for an intense Netflix binge. Don’t forget to sneak a few naps in there too!
2. Food.
After months of eating dining hall food or the same few meals, it feels great to finally get some diversity back into your diet. Time to go back to eating at your favorite restaurants and enjoying some great home cooked meals! My advice: get a crock pot, you won’t regret the delicious and easy meals.
3. Jobs.
No, not Steve Jobs. Actual jobs. All year you work your fingers to the bone for free for the sake of getting a degree. Well, now it’s finally time to get paid for all the hard work you do! A job not only funds all the crazy adventures you’re likely to have this summer, but it keeps you occupied too- well, that is assuming you can find one.
4. Weather.
Do you want to know what you can’t do during the winter? Practically anything that requires it to be 80 degrees and sunny. This includes water parks, the beach, outdoor sports and activities, swimming pools, and much more. Create some memories so you have something peaceful to think about during the next shockingly brutal winter.
5. Friends and Family.
It’s probably been a while since you’ve been able to see your family on a regular basis, so it’s great to spend some quality family time. Not only that, but it’s great to exchange stories with friends from home and finally catch up on each other’s lives. Just be prepared to spend some late nights with bonfires, long talks, movies, games, and more.
CONS:
1. Transportation.
On campus, most things are only a short walk away. And if you’re driving, it's likely not too far from where your living. When your back home, suddenly you have to drive most places, and that’s if you can afford a car. Gas money is probably going to bleed your wallet dry, so you better hope you can find #3 in the pros section.
2. Lack of Independence.
There’s something about being away at college that feels so liberating, and that something is independence. It’s not that we as college students don’t like or appreciate the guiding hand of our parents and guardians, but the ability to make our own mistakes and be responsible for our own lives is such an enlightening experience.
3. Unhealthiness.
Everyone has their own preference for where they feel the healthiest. In my experience, walking around on campus and having the gym just a short walk away allows for the more physically fit lifestyle. Healthy food may be easier to access at home but hey, there’s just too many great options for eating at home.
4. Different Atmosphere.
At college, you are surrounded by thousands of people your age, which places you in a community of your own peers and gives you a more relatable environment. Being thrust back into the real world can be jarring at first and tough to adjust back to. At the very least, not everyone will understand your obscure hipster references.
5. Friends
Sometimes a break from your college friends can do some good, but it’s easy to miss a group of people that you spend so much of your time with during the year, not to mention potential/current relationships that will probably be on your mind. During those longing moments, just remember that it’s only a few months!
The summer can either be a gift or torture depending on the person. Feel free to comment and mention what you love or hate about the summer!
