Coping with Being Home for the Summer: A Guide for College Students
As the academic year winds down, college students across the country pack up their dorm rooms and head back home for the summer. While the thought of a break from exams and papers can be a relief, transitioning from the independence of college life to the familiar dynamics of home can present its own set of challenges. Whether it’s adjusting to a different routine, navigating family relationships, or missing your college friends, here are some strategies to help you cope with being home for the summer:
Create a summer schedule: Even if your days aren’t filled with lectures and homework, establishing a daily routine can provide a sense of stability. If you have a job or internship, this part might be partially taken care of for you, but regardless of whether or not employment applies to you, setting time aside for personal goals related to hobbies, learning for fun, or another personal project can be helpful. What could be a goal that you could set for this summer?
Balance fun and productivity: Engaging in activities that are both fun and productive can help fill the void left by your college routine. Consider volunteering, taking up a hobby, or enrolling in a summer class. Staying busy can make the transition smoother and the summer feel more fulfilling. People tend to find that they feel best when they have a good balance of activities that feel productive and those that are enjoyable.
Discuss boundaries with family: Being home for the summer after a year (or more) at college will likely feel different from when you lived at home during high school. When possible, communicate openly with family around new boundaries that may need to be set. For example, maybe a change around curfew expectations is needed, or your family needs you to start contributing to chores that you have not been responsible for while you were away.
Stay in touch with college friends: Being away from friends you have met in college can be hard. Try to stay in touch via phone/video calls, social media, and visits when possible. And if you have friends from high school who are also home for the summer, now can be a good time to spend time with them as well.
Reflect and reset: Use the summer as an opportunity to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the upcoming one. This can be a time of personal growth and rejuvenation, helping you return to college feeling refreshed and focused.
Transitioning from college life to being home for the summer can be a challenging adjustment, but it also offers opportunities for personal growth and rejuvenation. By creating a new routine, openly communicating boundaries with family, maintaining connections with college friends, and prioritizing self-care, you can navigate this transition more smoothly. Embrace this time to reflect, set goals, and invest in yourself. With the right approach, your summer can be both fulfilling and restorative, helping you return to college refreshed and ready for new challenges.
