Traveling back to where you call home after several long weeks of exams, projects, and assignments may seem like the ideal destresser for most students. It might mean home cooked meals, time spent with family and friends, and visiting all of your favorite places from those nostalgic high school days. For some, however, going home for break can create added stress and in fact may not feel like a break at all. For this reason, it’s important to keep in mind the different situations of all college students and how to best support them.
Especially at Michigan State University (MSU), students have different thoughts on what going home for break is like for them. Since certain breaks—like winter break—are so long, this is a factor that can change students’ opinions.
Winter break is great for some! Many visit cottages, go on ski trips, and are able to spend adequate time with their family during the month-long break. Although people miss seeing their friends at school, students almost always realize the value of spending time with their families since they’re gone for so long at college. Winter break is also during the time of many holidays, which can be super fun and filled with lots of holiday themed events. Despite the cheer often felt around breaks like this, it’s unfortunately not like this for everyone.
A month is a long time to visit home for. It might feel longer if you’re in a space that feels unsafe or makes you unhappy. Many students dread going home for break because it may pull them from a space they’ve grown used to and comfortable with. College is a place that gives you complete independence and freedom, and it doesn’t feel good to be ripped away from that. This is why it’s especially important to support all of your friends even while they’re away, and check in often.
Keeping in touch while you’re away from your friends is great. Even though they’re college friends and you may not all live near each other, seeing what your friends are up to is a fun way to keep yourself updated and in the know. Scheduling FaceTime dates is a great way to keep in touch. Even though it doesn’t beat talking in person, try finding ways to make them feel closer! You can do this by watching a show together, or even just eating a meal together.
In an ideal world, everyone would be comfortable going home for break and would feel safe with their families. Despite this fact, the internet and social media has truly helped us with being able to stay connected to our friends, and is a great tool to use for when you’re at home. The next time you’re away from your friends, spend time with family if that feels right to you, but also remind your friends that you’re just a text or call away.