As we colliegettes settle in to our coveted library spots and study spaces, the one universal thought in our minds is undoubtedly, “I can’t wait for finals to be over so I can just go home.” However, while the idea of seeing our parents, our high school friends, and our pets is omnipresent, the process of actually getting home after finals is not. How many times have you finished your last test and realized that there’s actually so much more you have to do before you actually get in the car or on the plane and head back? Here are a few tips and tricks, along with a handy-dandy checklist, to get you through getting ready to go home once you’re finally done for the semester:
1. Write down everything you need to bring home!
Like you would ever have the time for this, but in reality, it’s really helpful. While you’re taking a break from studying, make a list of stuff you want to bring home. I know I use winter break to take clothes home that I won’t need in the spring, like extra t-shirts that are taking up space in my drawers or shoes that I know won’t get much wear next semester. Likewise, keeping in mind what you’re going to be doing when you get home can help you determine what you’ll need. If your Christmas dinner with your family is extra fancy, you can write down that you need to bring a nice dress, tights, and heels, for example. When you finally get down to the wire and need to pack quickly, this list will be very helpful.
2. Don’t over pack!
Remember that it’s the holidays, and you (hopefully) will be getting presents! I notoriously over pack when I’m going home, and always return to school with twice the bags I left with because I never account for the fact that my family gives me clothes for Christmas and I spend time with my high school friends shopping during break. And while you need some comfy sweatpants for curling up on the couch and watching HGTV, you probably don’t need 5 pairs of them.
3. Don’t wait until the last minute!
Honestly, this is completely unrealistic, but least try not to wait until 10 minutes before your cab is arriving to drive you to the airport to get everything ready to go. If you’re really stressed about your tests and papers, try using your study breaks to slowly build your suitcase. Throw in some socks and pairs of jeans while you’re stopping at your room before heading back to the library. Check in for your plane 24 hours before so you aren’t rushing when you get to the airport. Little things to help you prepare will make the end of the semester rush a little more manageable.
4. Don’t forget the important stuff!
My freshmen year, I left for winter break and forgot to check my fridge before I unplugged it and rushed out the door. Take my advice: don’t ever, ever do that. You will hate yourself come mid-January. Before you leave your room, make sure you do the following:
a. Turn off all the lights
b. Check the fridge for anything and throw out whatever will expire (and probably everything else, too)
c. Unplug all appliances, like your TV, your microwave, and your mini-fridge
d. Make sure nothing is on the heaters
e. If you can control the temperature in your room (or house if you’re off-campus), turn the heat all the way down
f. Don’t leave anything in the sink or shower that might get moldy while unattended to
g. Take out the trash
Doing these things might seem time consuming, but they’ll make your arrival back to school infinitely better than if you don’t.
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5. The Checklist
Tailor it to your own needs, since not everybody needs the same things at home. For example, I always bring my shower caddy home with me because if I didn’t, I’d be using my brother’s Axe body wash for the rest of December, but you may have shampoo and conditioner ready for you at home. And, like I said in step number 1, making your own can help you relax and plan out how you’ll pack while you’re studying.
When you’re leaving school for a month, you should probably bring the following:
From your closet:
a. 2 or 3 pairs of jeans
b. 2 or 3 pairs of leggings/yoga pants
c. 6 or 7 shirts
d. 3 or 4 nicer shirts
e. 1 skirt
f. 1 or 2 dresses
g. 1 pair of heels (nude or black)
h. 1 pair of flats
i. 1 pair of boots
j. Underwear, bras and socks
k. 3 or 4 T-shirts (at least 1 BC pick!)
l. 1 sweatshirt
m. 1 pair of sweatpants
n. 1 vest/fleece
o. 1 coat
From your makeup bag:
a. Foundation
b. Cover up
c. Blush & bronzer
d. Mascara/eyelash curler
e. Eyeliner
f. 1 eyeshadow set (trust me, while your purple eyeshadow might awesome for Thursday nights at school, it’s only going to take up space because you will not need it at home)
g. Lip balm
h. Tweezers
From your jewelry box (use your judgment, but I’d recommend):
a. 2 pairs of stud earrings
b. 1 ring
c. 1 statement necklace
d. 1 bracelet
e. Watch
f. Anything fun you might want for a New Year’s celebration
From the bathroom:
a. Face wash
b. Toothbrush/toothpaste
c. Hair brush or comb
d. Blow dryer
e. Hair straightener
f. Curling iron
g. Hair spray
h. Hair product (if you use it)
i. Shampoo/Conditioner
j. Body wash
k. Any medications you take
From your desk:
a. Laptop/charger
b. Cell phone charger
c. Headphones
d. Books/notebooks you want to save from the semester
e. eReader/charger
f. BC ID (get those student discounts when you can!)
Getting on a bus/train/plane over break?:
a. Ticket
b. Passport (if needed)
c. ID (License or whatever else you use)
d. Wallet with debit/credit cards and some cash
e. If you check your bag, bring a spare change of clothes anything valuable you’re bringing like expensive jewelry or perfume
Extras?
a. Backpack
b. Purse
c. A book
d. Laundry basket
Side note: one of my favorite going-home strategies is to pack everything that isn’t clothes first in a backpack or small bag, and bring my laundry basket home or pack it in a suitcase. If I know myself and what I wear on a very regular basis, I know it’s probably in my laundry basket since I never have time to wash my clothes during finals. If you’re hard pressed for time, bringing your laundry basket home is a pretty safe bet.
Like I said, very comprehensive and everyone’s needs are different. All that being said, I hope all my fellow colliegettes have safe travels and enjoy their well-deserved winter break!