CAUTION: this article is for those who are confident in labeling themselves as complete procrastinators, and insist on waiting until the last possible second to do anything. This includes preparing to move back to college.
The emotional struggles you may undergo during the last few weeks of summer may leave you feeling more worried about going back to college than excited. But don't fret! Here are some of the stages of making that transition, and suggestions to making the best of your procrastinating habits. Which stage are you in?
Stage 1: Denial
It’s a blessing and a curse. Summer vacation, that is. A break from exams and caffeine-driven all-nighters, mom’s home cooked meals, and freeing the disgustingly messy alter self that you've been holding back for so long while living with a roommate are all just a few of the many perks of being home from college. My first day home from school, I had a precious 109 days ahead of me before I had to return to college. Yet, I feel that most can relate to me when I say that as the days go by, the mental countdown doesn't count down at all. In fact, it continues to feel like there is a whole 109 days to come. It isn’t until when you are graced with the first day of August, you realize that sometime between now and September, you will be back at your home away from home. But still, you choose to deny the fact that summer is coming to a much avoided end, and refuse to admit that your last days of the beach, sun, time with old friends and summer jobs/internships are numbered.
Stage 2: Panic
A shiver down your spine, and a knot in your stomach. There are only TWO weeks until move-in?! And you have completed a total of zero accomplishments concerning your preparation for the new school year. What do you do? Make a list. Most people, like myself, react to the anxiousness of cleaning, organizing, shopping, and preparation for the return to college by not doing anything at all, leaving you stuck having to complete everything last minute. But, if you write down an exact list of all the necessary goals to meet before you pack up the car, it will be much easier to start to check them off one by one.
Stage 3: Acceptance
You have finally come to terms with the fact that school is just a week away. You start planning your dorm layout, and continue to cross off items on the list you wrote during Stage 2. Acceptance can also tag-team with anxiousness. Whether it be the thought of attending class again, friend dynamics, roommate fears etc., just keep in mind of all of the guaranteed exciting aspects of college life you can look forward to like upcoming football games and Juice Jam. Additionally, take some time to set a few goals you want to meet during the next two semesters to come. Maybe that includes making Dean’s List, or joining a new club. Thinking of the activities you want to do upon your arrival at school will make the transition even easier, taking your mind off of summer mode and switching on school mode.
Stage 4: Stress
The day has arrived, ladies and gents. Let the stress of moving in commence! As you look at your car load of crap–I mean, essentials–and lack confidence that you can fit it all in your half of a shoe-box sized room (some universities like to call it a "dorm"), just remember: you have done it before, so you can do it again. Beside your regrets of maybe bringing too much stuff, you also realize you have forgotten a bunch of items that that you didn’t include on your lists, or didn’t anticipate you needing at all. You’re exhausted from the trip there and moving everything in. You never thought you could be so hot, thirsty, hungry and tired all at the same time. You start to think, is this ever ending? Maybe you could just go back home or on vacation. Don't give up! This is the worst part, but doesn't have to be so bad! Take you time, and think about how you want your set-up to be. The decisions you make now will effect your living the rest of the year, so get creative! Don't look at move-in as a chore, but rather a chance for you to start a new beginning in fun way.
Stage 5: Relief
Post move-in. Take a deep breath, and keep calm, because you’re back at college!!!
