Let’s be honest, we all know that school is really getting the best of us and we could use a break from it all. As crazy as it seems, many people are not even thinking about the holidays yet because they seem so far in the future, but with semesters coming to a close and breaks approaching, there’s a lot to prepare yourself for because like it or not, these holidays ARE in fact, right around the corner.

1. Figuring out how you’re going to get home.

Whether it’s a plane, train, or automobile, you know it’s going to be a straight disaster and you just do not even want to deal with it.

2. Trying to stay focused on schoolwork.

You know your professor will be piling on a sh*t ton of work, on top of all of your finals, right before you leave for the holiday’s, so you better get studying.

3. Thinking about the change in weather.

If you live close to your school this is not that big a deal, however if you live far away, this is life or death. Pack that parka and those winter gloves because when you step out of that train, plane, or car, you will not be prepared for the weather that welcomes you.

4. Packing.

Remembering you’re going to be away from your school home for a while and you actually have to strategically plan what will into your suitcase without being over on the weight limit. And if you’re driving, figure out what you really NEED to bring home, instead of weighing your car down by bringing your whole wardrobe.

5. Getting to see your family!

For some people who live close to home, that might not be as huge a deal, but for those of us who will be going home for the first time since school started, this is BIG.

6. Getting to see your pets!

Some might even say this is better than number 5! Getting to be reunited with your favorite furry friends after having been away from them for nearly 4 months is honestly worth all the stress of planning your trip, school, and packing combined.

7. Having to leave your friends.

Thinking about how you will be gone for approximately 33 days and how during those days, you will not be with any of your friends from school.

8. But then remembering you’ll be reunited with friends from back home.

It’s probably been a while since you’ve seen your high school besties, unless you go to college with them. This means there’s a lot of catching up to do!

9. Thinking about all the food you’ll be eating.

College can get tricky when you are forced to become a personal chef, so going home to those home cooked meals honestly might tie with getting to see your pets. But all those good meals also probably means a LOT more food than you’re consuming now…I know I need to get my workout on ASAP.

10. Gifting.

Probably the most dreaded on this whole list because how on Earth are you going to afford to buy your family gifts for the holidays, when you can hardly afford to buy a burrito bowl at Chipotle…better start selling your own stuff now.

So, get your study and your packing on because the holidays are approaching fast and you need to make sure you’re prepared!