It's been eight months since you first started college. Things have changed, you've changed. You've completed your finals and learned how to successfully take a nap and do your laundry with minimum time in between classes. Unfortunately, this fun-filled freshman year has come to an end and you've got to say goodbye to your new found friendships for a few months. It's time to come home and spend some quality time with your family. How different can home life be from living in your dorm? Very. Here is how:
1. Laundry
At College: This is a strategic process. You've gotta make the most of the quarters and dimes you have, so laundry day might only come around every couple of weeks. When that day comes, it's an all day process of washing, drying and promising you'll do it sooner next time.
At Home: Ah, paradise. You can do as much laundry as you like, whenever you like (Or you can just put it in the pile with your parents and let them handle it). Washing and drying aren't for a dollar a load anymore and you're free to wash those sweatpants whenever you please.
2. Staying Up Late
At College: You've got three papers, four presentations, and the cure for cancer due by Monday. You've got to work, work, work! There's no time for sleep! Pain is temporary, GPA is forever.
At Home: Wait, season 7 of "Parks and Rec" is on Netflix? Well, so much for getting to bed early tonight. You've got some serious work to do. Sleep is for the weak. What would Ron Swanson do?
3. Making Plans with Friends
At College: Do what you think is best. If you want to walk to the cafeteria at midnight for some ice-cream, that's your choice. Go out on Friday, it's your life. You're independent. You don't have to report to anyone.
At Home: Your parents need to know who you're going with, where you're going, when you'll be back and how you're getting there. It's only because they care. You've got to keep in touch with them so they know you're safe!
4. Cleaning
At College: Hey, if you want to live in your own filth, that's up to you...and your roommate. You go ahead, eat in bed. Clean up when you feel like it, or have time. Or, keep the room tidy. It's your preference.
At Home: Sure, don't pick up your clothes. That's fine, as long as you don't mind your mom asking you every 15 minutes why you haven't picked them up yet. Oh, and don't forget your old chores are still waiting to be done!
5. Money
At College: Oh, your friends want to go get 99 cent pancakes from IHOP? Well, considering you don't have a job until summer, you probably shouldn't do that. Your mom isn't there to buy your meals anymore, and 99 cents is a lot of money for a broke college kid like yourself!
At Home: Sure! Get the pancakes! Why not order a side of pancakes and bacon too? Oh, and you should definitely go on a shopping trip with your mom soon. Treat yourself.
Though I'm sure there are many more, these are some of the main differences I have noticed while being home so far. Overall, being home for the summer and being able to spend time with family and friends is an awesome time that every college kid looks forward to (whether we'd like to admit it or not). These next four months are much needed to relax and re-energize before the chaos of school starts back up again.
