It's that time of year again and it feels as if a different bestie is packing up their car and leaving for college everyday. Your days are jam-packed with pancake-breakfasts at your favorite diner, movie nights, and exchanging class schedules for Fall 2016, desperately squeezing in your last minute hugs and goodbyes. Unfortunately for you, your busy days filled with familiar smiles are quickly turning into days spent on the couch with only the familiar faces of your favorite television characters. I'm feeling all of the same nostalgic feelings and have rapidly approached the end of my latest Netflix binge. I have been finding ways to cope with the "loneliness" and boredom that college departure days bring.
1. Bake.
Recently, baking is one of my favorite pastimes. It takes up time, fills the house with a lovely aroma and tastes delicious. Try out some new recipes and serve them to your family members. You may discover some new fabulous treats and goodies to bake at school and share with your friends.
2. Print photos.
Pinterest is notorious for reminding us of the variety of ways we, as college students, can choose to display our photos in our dorm room. Getting your latest photographs and Instagram posts printed will allow you to reminsce about the wonderful memories that you and your friends created this summer while also aiding in the decorations to your new room.
3. Raid your closet.
Once all of your closest friends have departed, it's time to start packing and thinking of your own responsibilities that correspond to returning to college. Certainly one of the most challenging is the dreaded packing of clothes. I always arrive at this task with pure intentions of not overpacking but 10 sweatshirts and 15 pairs of yoga pants later, that goal is long gone. However, take this opportunity to clean out your closet and making separate piles. Be sure to include a pile of clothes to donate, local consignment shops, thrift stores, and clothing drop-off locations are always looking for clothes to provide to the community.
4. Organize a schedule.
Take the opportunity that this down-time presents to buy a planner and fill in all of your deadlines that have been provided prior to syllabus week, including work schedules, sporting events and school breaks. You will appreciate your early efforts once the semester kicks into full gear.
5. Craft.
Create a Pinterest board or do a Google search for DIY dorm decorations. You can easily transform your dorm into a place that feels just like home for cheap with these ideas. You may even choose to craft something for your new roomies.
7. Revisit an old hobby.
Before the busy college life begins again, take the time to revisit an old hobby that you enjoy. For example, I used to LOVE playing The Sims and coloring. This is a great time for us to reengage with old interests.
8. Exercise, and develop an exercise plan.
Of course, we all fear the dreaded Freshman 15, but I am fairly certain that the risk still presents itself throughout the rest of college. By diving into an exercise routine and researching and discovering healthy options that are served in the dining hall, you will be more likely to stick to your newly developed healthy lifestyle once you return to college.
9. Spend time with family,
As the summer vacation draws to a close your parents are beginning to become aware that you will soon be leaving again. While summer often presents itself as a wild time of freedom with friends, it is also the epitome of time to interact and create new memories with your family as well. Play cards like you used to, go food shopping with your mom, take a ride to pick up your brother from a friend's house. Believe it or not, your family can be your absolute best friends of all.
Although it may feel like the end of an era, when you are left in your hometown with none of your hometown buddies, there are still many ways to enjoy your time, be productive, and prepare for school, without feeling lonely.
