This year, the month of August brings more than hot weather and the Olympic games. The end of the month signals the culmination of summer itself. And the end of summer means moving back to campus, schoolwork, and all sorts of college-related stress. No one better understands the chaos that is back-to-school than the Pawnee parks department. Here are the eight stages of returning to school as told by Leslie Knope and friends (except for Jerry, obviously):
1. Complete denial about the end of summer
It doesn’t matter how many back-to-school commercials are aired in July, it’s not time for school yet. Or is it?
2. Back to school shopping
The time comes to stock up on pens, pencils, and a new set of sheets. While spending that hard-earned summer job paycheck on school supplies is no fun, the thought of getting back to campus is pretty exciting.
3. Packing
Considering how small dorm rooms are, we sure seem to bring A LOT of stuff with us to school. Probably the worst part of the whole back-to-school process is the attempt to organize everything into boxes, just to unpack it all again at school. I mean, do I really need to bring along all those sweaters?
4. Move-in day excitement
The time has finally come to return to campus and excitement levels are high. We get to look forward to dorm decorating, a new class schedule, and, of course, reuniting with friends after an entire summer apart.
5. Saying goodbye
While back-to-school usually means seeing friends again, it also involves saying goodbye to friends and family from home. Although, it probably won’t be long before the next FaceTime chat or phone call home.
6. Drowning in homework
Classes start up again and the assignments inevitably pile up. The semester quickly turns into a blur of homework, tests, and papers. What’s a syllabus week again?
7. Pure exhaustion
The daily routine sets in and sleep becomes really really hard to come by. Whether or not it’s socially acceptable, napping is suddenly a serious priority. And coffee is definitely a must. How soon is Thanksgiving break?!
8. Relief
Despite the craziness of back-to-school, it’s definitely great to be back on campus and following a routine. This is debatably the most exciting time of the year - after Galentine’s Day, of course.
