You’re finally home after being away at college for the last few months; however, things probably feel a lot different now. You’ve gotten used to your independence at college and now, it might feel like you have to live by your parent’s rules again. However, you don’t have to spend your break struggling to adapt to being home again. Here are some tips to help you adjust to being home for break.
REMEMBER, YOUR PARENTS HAVE ADJUSTED TO LIFE WITHOUT YOU
As sad as it may seem, just like you have adapted to being in college, your parents have adapted to not having you home. It would be a good idea to communicate with them about your newfound independence but make sure to still help out around the house. Are you going out tonight? Why not do some laundry before you leave.
SPEND TIME WITH YOUR LOVED ONES
Just because your parents have adapted to not having you home doesn’t mean they haven’t missed you. Try to make some time to hang out with your family. Go out to dinner with them or help out with Christmas shopping. However, don’t feel forced to do these things. You don’t want to over-schedule yourself during break and feel that you have to make up for three-months-worth of family time.
YOUR FRIENDSHIPS MAY HAVE CHANGED
When you go away to college, it’s normal to lose touch with some of your friends from back home. While on break, you can try to reconnect with some of those friends but also understand that sometimes friendships grow apart and that’s okay too!
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FREE TIME
You might find you get bored quite quickly at home. You will have no papers to write, no exams to study for, and no projects to complete. Make the most of this free time though before you have to get back to the hustle of college life. Make time for hobbies or help out with chores. Or, if you want to be more productive, find volunteer opportunities or try and see if you can earn some credits during your break. Keep in mind that break will be over before you know it!
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