No matter what college you attend, there will always be that weekend you must either loathe or love. There is no in-between when it comes to Family Weekend. Your peers' parents come to fawn and dote on their "long-lost" loved ones, which also means they come to meet and then fawn on you, their loved one's friend, or even mere acquaintance. Or maybe it is your parents participating in this involuntary response toward separation anxiety.
Either way, fear not. There are many things to do around town or even on campus to provide entertainment for you and yours (or just yours).
1. You need not look any further than your very own library.
Campus libraries usually have many levels, floors, hidden rooms and programs for people to explore for hours on end.
2. Many colleges have an art collection, museum, or science displays.
Pick your mom or dad’s subject of interest and set them loose to learn a little something while you catch a breather or take the opportunity to actually get some homework done.
3. Go see a movie.
Seriously. You have at least one new credit card and car around to use. Take advantage of it. Your family will love just being in your presence, so it’s a win-win for everyone.
4. Find a hole-in-the-wall restaurant.
Whether or not the food is good, an adventure will be a memorable moment of the weekend, guaranteed.
5. Take them to your favorite class (or your least favorite).
Yes, this might look a little dorky, but you won’t be the only one. Your parents will love seeing how different school is now from when they were in classes and tell you how it is so much harder for you and they cannot believe how amazing you are for doing so well considering what you are facing. Who knows, you might even get a little more slack when that report card comes in.
6. Open the door to your hall and have them visit every room.
Usually, your floor-mates will think your parents are way cooler than you do (of course, this isn’t always true, I think my parents are pretty legit myself).
7. Show them your new home church.
Your Mom
will love to meet the people taking care of her baby’s spiritual well being.
8. Target runs.
Period.
9. Local concerts or community events are always a good time for bonding and learning more about your new home.
10. I highly suggest taking your parents to any shows that your college is putting on over the weekend.
For example, Wheaton College has the annual talent show and an improv show my dad is tagging along for. Get ready for laughs and an all around good time!
11. My personal favorite: Skip the high-quality food you finally have access to for a meal and take your family to the cafeteria.
The look on their faces: Priceless.
