Coming home from college over winter break is a whirlwind of emotions. You're home for about a month, surrounded by family and friends that you haven't seen in months. But at the same time, you're stuck at home for about a month, surrounded by family and friends that haven't seen you in months and want to spend every possible moment together. It's both a blessing and a curse. Here's a few of the best and worst parts about going home over break.
Worst: All of your new college friends are gone.
No longer are your besties just a few doors down, or a short walk away. They've all gone home too, scattered across the state and country, and it's nearly impossible to get the whole squad back together over the break.
Best: Getting to reconnect with your hometown friends.
We're all guilty of letting some of our hometown or high school friends fall by the wayside during school, so now is a great opportunity to get together and catch up.
Worst: Seeing your old middle/high school peers around town.
Middle school and high school are some of the most awkward, embarrassing years for anyone, and there are some people you'd rather just not see (ever) again. Going back home unfortunately raises your odds of running into them.
Best: Seeing your pets everyday.
They've missed you terribly, and show that by constant cuddles and begging for attention. Which is great once everyone else in the house goes back to work/school after the holidays and you're stuck around the house.
Worst: To work or not to work?
As a college student, you're most likely low on cash and could use a job. But at the same time, it's the first time you don't have any impending deadlines and can do nothing in peace. (Usually the need for money wins out.)
Best: Parents are more lenient about lending money.
Your parents are happy to have you home, and willing to take you out to dinner, or a movie, or shopping, and pay for everything, too. Use that to your advantage.
Worst: Constant questions about how school is going.
All the assorted relatives you're forced to visit with during the holidays will ask how school is going, right after you've received final grades and you just want to forget about classes for a little bit. Plus, everyone asks the same questions and it gets old really quickly.
Best: A break from classes and homework.
You're free! Hooray! A whole month (or so) until you have to do anything school related at all! Freedom!
Worst: Lack of freedom.
You're back to living under mom and dad's roof, and having to get approval to have people over or going to hang out with friends. This goes double if you have to borrow the family car.
Best: Home. Made. Food.
Everything is handmade with love and tastes even better than you remembered. Especially all that wonderful holiday food. Not to mention desserts.
Worst: Being home.
The worst part about being home is having to come to terms with the fact that everything has changed, and it will probably never go back to how things were before.
Best: Being home.
Change is a good thing. Growing up is a good thing (even though it may not always be very fun). Taking a break from all the stress in a different environment is a good thing. And although it might be frustrating at times, overall, being home is a good thing, too.
