Updated with current information for 2023
Pat yourself on the back. You successfully (we hope) completed your first semester and now you’re set to take a well-earned break by going home to celebrate the holidays with your family and friends. While you’ll likely have a great time with all the festive goings-on, do be prepared to find that things can be a little stressful for returning college students. In fact, a lot of students report they hate coming home for the holidays and having to readjust to, well, you know, being under the parental thumb again.
Sigh. Although you’ve only been away a few months, things are def different now.
Your Family
Yeah, yeah, yeah. It’s great to see them again and it’s fabulous your mom is willing to cook, do your laundry and pamper you. But, hey, you’ve gotten a taste of independence over the last four months with your roommates in your five person Athens Ohio University rentals and you realize you like it. So having the folks hovering around can get old in a hurry – especially when they want to know where you’re going, and when you’ll be home.
Your Hometown Friends
Face it: the friendships you made in high school and before in your hometown will always be precious, but now that you’ve been to college, you may be realizing you’re moving on. Don’t get us wrong: there never will be anything like those laughs you had with the friends of your youth, so you’re still going to enjoy reconnecting, reminiscing and recollecting – maybe for the rest of your lives. But you’ve had new experiences now that your old friends can’t necessarily relate to, so just know, you may have some adjusting to do.
Boredom
Yes, you were dying for a break all semester but once you get one, you may find it’s a bit too much of a good thing. Once you catch up on sleep and TV shows, and you’ve been out a few times with friends, you may find yourself wishing you had a schedule again.
Winter break is actually a great time to catch up on your reading – no, seriously, we mean it! Being an avid reader will not only make you a well-rounded, more interesting and culturally evolved person, but a lifelong addiction to reading can also be a lifesaver. Not only is it palliative for all those agonizingly boring stretches of life—like when you’re waiting on standby for a plane home in a blizzard or stuck in a traffic jam on the interstate for hours at night–but the right reading material can also calm you down, as in when you’re no. 1 for takeoff in the dentist’s chair and a root canal.
Financial Stress
Going home for the holidays can bring about financial stress for college students. Travel expenses, gifts for family and friends, and additional spending can add up quickly. It’s important to create a budget and stick to it, to avoid overspending during the holiday season. If you’re worried about affording gifts, consider making them instead of buying them, or organizing a gift exchange with friends to keep costs down.
You could also work with roommates in your student rental to pool together some funds to help make the same gifts for your families. No one needs to know.
Social Anxiety
Going back to your hometown can also bring about social anxiety for college students. Seeing old friends and acquaintances can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not feeling confident about your own accomplishments or if you feel like you’ve fallen behind your peers. Remember that everyone has their own path and accomplishments, and try to focus on your own journey rather than comparing yourself to others. Think about how you get to enjoy that cool student rental that has yard! Your highs chool self would approve.
Loneliness
While being at home with family can be comforting, some college students may feel lonely during the holiday season. This can be especially true for those who may not have a supportive family or may not have many friends in their hometown. If you’re feeling lonely, try reaching out to old friends, volunteering in your community, or finding local events to attend. It’s important to take care of your mental health during the holiday season. Your roommates in your three-bedroom apartment miss you, too.
Here are some tips from the pros that may help.
Conclusion
While going home for the holidays can be challenging for college students, it can also be a time of joy and connection with loved ones. By being prepared for the potential challenges and taking steps to address them, you can make the most out of your holiday break. Remember to prioritize your mental and financial health, and focus on enjoying the time you have with family and friends.
And remember, you’re not missing much: