You've finished your last final and loaded the last box of entirely unnecessary junk into the back of your mom's car, which can only mean one thing: It's summer.
Without the stress of exams, papers, laundry, and all of the other things that come with being an "in-season" college student, summer sounds about like heaven right now. No work, just hanging out with old friends, staying up late, and doing absolutely nothing for hours on end, just like in high school.
Or is it? Well... yes and no.
Deep down, we're all ready to have fun but will put in the work when we feel dedicated to something. But everybody wants to ring in summer with a little fun! Nobody knows this patter of work and play better than our little yellow friends, the Minions.
Best: Finally being able to walk around in comfort
After a couple of semesters of being on your "best" behavior around your roommate (if you're a considerate roommate, that is) you can finally relax in the comfort of your own home. For some people, that means taking your shoes off at the door. For others, that means taking your pants off at the door.
Worst: When your mom denies your request for laundry assistance
After at least a year away from home, you should know how to do laundry. However, it's still nice to have Mom around to spot you when you are just too busy (or more so, lazy) to do your own laundry. Maybe if you're really nice and take out the trash without being asked, she'll reconsider. Hey, it worked when you were in middle school... shouldn't the same rule apply now?
Best: Returning to a loving family
Sure, the "campus family" that you've built in the last school year is wonderful and supportive but nothing beats the love and comfort family. They've seen you grow up and know you better than anybody, meaning they know even the smallest ways to make you smile when you are down9.
Worst: Returning to the infamous sibling quarrels
Returning home to a family also means returning home to annoying younger siblings. As part of your family, they know you better than anybody. However, they take this knowledge and focus on the things that annoy you, rather than the things that make you feel better. Put up your dukes, it's fight season yet again.
Best: Hitting the beach with your friends
After parting ways after the last break, it is high time that you return home for some quality time with your hometown friends. The classic trip to the beach satisfies this as a day of fun in the sun is something that people of all ages seem to enjoy. Slather on the sunscreen and hit the sand with your squad!
Worst: Discovering your best friends aren't coming home this summer
Or don't. Turns out, some of your best friends are staying on campus over the summer to do research. Others are off on extended vacations with family and the rest are committed to summer internships in another state. Thanks for sharing this information, guys.
Best: Summer movie marathons with the squad
Face it, late night movie marathon during the school year just aren't as fun as those held during the summer. During the summer, there aren't any looming deadlines to distract from the awesome selection of flicks on hand. During the summer, the only thing on your mind is how much your middle-school self-loved Zac Efron in High School Musical.
Worst: Trying to find a schedule that works for the whole squad
Between summer jobs, internships, family responsibilities, and even sleep patterns, scheduling group hangouts can be really difficult. Sometimes a certain time works perfectly for a few people, but the rest are babysitting or waiting tables at the local restaurant. What about an hour later? The first group can't. Half has to take their little brothers to soccer practice and the other half has planned a nap during that time.
Best: Having your own room again
Even the best, quietest roommates can be awkward and annoying to live with at times. Simply having a space that is all your own is one of the most freeing feelings in the entire world. Returning to your childhood bedroom can be the most nostalgic thing, taking you back to a time where you could jump on your bed without a roommate shooting you strange looks from behind their laptop screen...or making the bed fall off of its lofting.
Worst: Returning to parentally-monitored bedtimes
At college, only the bravest, most organized souls can stick to a reasonable and routine bedtime. Returning home, most parents will at least voice concern for altered sleep habits. Just oblige them for a while...then return to your nightly Netflix and Etsy bing-eathon from under the covers, just like when you were little.
Best: Having all of your favorite homemade meals again
No more nasty cafeteria food! Spending an entire year living off of whatever mystery meat was being served for the day, cereal, Hot Pockets, Ramen noodles, and the occasional pack of fruit snacks has left you craving all of your favorite meals. Again, maybe if you're nice and ask politely, Mom will oblige with a week of "Welcome Home" dinners.
Worst: Learning that your family has changed their dietary habits entirely
There may be nothing worse than expecting to come home to a cabinet full of your favorite snacks and a fridge full of all of your favorite meals and returning to the exact opposite. In fact, your family has decided to switch to a vegan diet and some of these foods don't even look like food. Sure, you give them a shot because...well, you never know! They're disgusting. Back to cramming cereal in your mouth by the handful three times a day.
Best: Sleeping in late
No early classes? No late night obligations? Time to hit the snooze as many times as you possibly can before your family starts to worry.
Worst: Being cranky when you can't sleep in after an all-nighter
Okay, so you forgot about that early-morning shift you took at work. You woke up and flew through your morning routine in enough time but the all-nighter from the night before is not agreeing with you. Coworkers, beware, there is nothing more terrifying than a sleep-deprived college student being forced to work overtime on summer break.
Best: Being free of homework for a few months
No quizzes, no textbooks, no exams, no papers....sweet freedom! Time to kick back and relax, now that the responsibilities of the school year have finally dissipated.
Worst: Realizing you are ONE YEAR closer to actual adulthood
...where there IS no summer break and responsibilities never end.
Enjoy your summers while you can.
