As us college students begin to pack up our dorm rooms and apartments, it is impossible to not have a bittersweet feeling about the summer ahead. Of course many of us will be relieved to not eat dorm food for a couple of months and to not have to do our own laundry, but with these luxuries comes less freedom and independence as well as a break from our school “family”. Jimmy Fallon’s segment “Pros and Cons” on The Tonight Show reminds us of the pros and cons of every situation.
Pro: Getting to see all your friends from home.
While you are at school, it can be hard to keep up with your friends from home as everyone adjusts to their school and school friends. Winter and spring breaks often vary between schools and it can be hard to catch up with friends even while you are home during the school year. Summer is the best time to reconnect with all your old friends and enjoy the few months a year you have together.
Con: Not Seeing Your School Friends for 3 Months.
Of course seeing your friends from home will be great but its hard to forget about the group of friends you see everyday while at school. In college you live, sleep, eat and hang out with these people everyday and to not see them for 3 months makes summer break a little harder.
Pro: Mom's Home Cooked Meals
Kiss dorm food and college food goodbye! There is nothing like a home cooked meal, especially when during the last few weeks of school it seems like a challenge to eat any of the food offered—besides maybe a bowl of cereal. Besides just the meals, everyone (even though they might not admit it) looks forward to being home with their family and in their own bed for the summer. The meals and laundry are a plus though.
Con: You now have a curfew.
Even though everyone loves their parents, the thought of not running on your own schedule is a little worrisome. No longer will you be able to stay out till dawn and come home whenever you want. Of course, parents only insist because they care... even if it means being home a little bit earlier.
Pro: No Homework, Midterms or Finals.
Finals are over and so is most other schoolwork. Maybe you’ll actually have time now to find a new hobby, binge watch a Netflix series or read a book… for FUN. So much of college is spent writing papers, reading and attempting to get ahead on homework, but the summer is a time when you get to finally do all of those things that you never had time for.
Con: Returning to School and Trying to Do Math or Write a Paper.
Although the break from school work is nice returning to school can be tough after not solving a math problem or writing a paper in forever. At least you don’t have to worry about that for another 3 months!
Pro: Getting an Awesome Internship.
Internships can be hard to come by but getting one that you are excited about can make all the difference in your summer. Its always nice to feel like you are accomplishing something and also making a little bit of money on the side. Not to mention internships help develop skills outside of the classroom and are a great addition to a resume.
Con: Having to Save All Your Money for Next School Year.
Whether it be an internship or a job, it is nice to finally make some money over the summer. It seems in a matter of weeks you go from broke college student to a somewhat well off employee. Although it is easy to let all the money burn a hole in your pocket so make sure to save, save, save! That spring break trip probably won’t pay for itself.
