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Spending the Thanksgiving Holiday on Campus Doesn’t Have to Be a Downer

Nov 01, 2019

Updated with current information for 2023

Thanksgiving is a family-oriented holiday. So, when your family lives too far away to go home for Turkey Day, you may suffer serious disappointment and even feel depressed. Fortunately, most schools recognize that not all students get to go home for the holidays, so they make an effort to help them celebrate Thanksgiving in alternative ways.

Here are some ways you can pass Thanksgiving satisfactorily, without being stuck in your Ohio University housing with the blues.

  1. Most colleges offer some type of Thanksgiving event for students who are staying on campus. It might be a big meal in the gym or in another space. Also, the local community – such as churches or service organizations — may welcome solo students looking for a group to celebrate with. You should be able to connect with these groups through the internet or social media, or by asking around. Trust us, even if your rental has a nice view, you don’t want to waste the holiday staring out the window feeling lonely.
  2. Community service is one way people without families often pass Thanksgiving. Serving a holiday meal to the homeless or providing Thanksgiving baskets for people in need can be an uplifting way to celebrate the day. People often volunteer at homeless shelters, churches and soup kitchens to feed those who otherwise wouldn’t get a Thanksgiving dinner. Be forewarned that the slots for serving Thanksgiving dinners often fill quickly, so get your name in right away. If spots fill up, use that off-campus parking spot you paid so much money for to drive to a neighboring community. Odds are they can use the help since they can’t tap into the student population like Athens can. 
  3. It doesn’t matter what you eat or what you do, but getting together with a group of friends for a holiday meal is one of the best ways to spend the day. Or, if you don’t know any close friends who are staying on campus, you may reach out through social media or even by posting a flyer and organizing a get-together for students flying solo for the Thanksgiving holidays. It might be a turkey dinner, but it could be pizza or Chinese food – the idea is to celebrate with friends – or even future friends. If the weather is nice and your student housing has a yard – you can even play some turkey day football!
  4. Local people are often thrilled to host a college student who’s unable to go home for Thanksgiving. You might put out the word with friends or acquaintances whose families are local and ask if they’d welcome someone who’s on their own. Do offer to bring a dish – if you can’t cook, there’s always a can of cranberry sauce as an offering. If you live in a big student rental – like a five bedroom house – maybe invite some locals over, instead. 
  5. Another alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving meal is to try new and different types of food. Many colleges and universities have a diverse student population and you may be able to find a group of students who are celebrating Thanksgiving in a way that is different from what you’re used to. If your apartment is near campus, you can even hop over to Baker Center and see what events are happening there. Usually, some placards will be on display. This can be a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and try new foods. You can also find local restaurants that serve international cuisine and celebrate Thanksgiving with a group of friends over a delicious meal.
  6. If you’re feeling homesick and missing your family, try to stay connected with them through technology. Video call with your family during Thanksgiving dinner or make plans to call them before or after the holiday. You can also send pictures (maybe of that awesome view from your rental!) of what you’re doing and where you are, this can help to alleviate feelings of homesickness and make you feel more connected to your loved ones.
  7. If you live in an apartment with roommates, like a two bedroom or three bedroom unit, consider having a mini “roommates Thanksgiving” with those in your student rental. It can be a nice way to bond with those who live with you and relate to the situation of being in Athens for the holiday.

Lastly, engage in self-care activities and practice mindfulness. Thanksgiving can be a stressful time for many people, especially those who are away from home, and you’re likely not posted up in a luxury apartment or anything like your house at home. Take some time to relax, meditate, exercise or do something that makes you happy. This will help you to focus on the present moment and not dwell on what you’re missing out on. Get outside in your house’s yard and enjoy some sun. Take a drive from your off-campus parking spot and enjoy some time at Strouds Run or another local park. And who knows, maybe your family can visit another time during OU’s family weekends like parents weekend. 

Thanksgiving can still be a special and memorable holiday even if you’re unable to go home. By reaching out to the community, connecting with friends and trying new things, you can make the most of your Thanksgiving on campus and avoid the holiday blues.