Final exams are almost over, you’re all packed up and ready to see your dog who you’ve been without for four months. People often talk about the transition process TO college: full of uncertainty, homesickness and more. But what about the transition back home for Winter break? It is possible you have spent the last few months with the greatest amount of independence! How do you handle the readjustment back to your pre-college regulations? This article will give you a few ways to navigate that experience this upcoming break!

Communication, Communication, Communication

You can’t expect to go home and your family to have all the answers. Having a conversation with them before, or when you get home about the growth you’ve experienced during college is important. The last four months have been a change for them as well, so discussing your experiences can be helpful for both parties. Setting expectations for the break with your family, and getting some updates on their rules can begin to ease the transition home.

Express Your Independence

You have likely spent the last few months doing your own laundry, cooking your own food and sleeping whenever and wherever. It might feel easy to go home and fall into old habits, depending on your family to wash your laundry or some variation. Back up your talk about your newfound independence with action. Wash your own dishes, cook a meal for the family, etc. Showing them your independent, reinforces this part of your identity in the eyes of your family.

Make Time for your Family  

Four months is a long time to spend away from home. Spend time with your family, catch up with them or plan an activity together. Making plans with your family, leaves you with a set schedule and open days to spend with all the friends you want to hang out with.

Though this is not an exhaustive list of ways to make the transition home, it is preparing you to start thinking about the changes that have happened. It is common for students to go home for break and feel trapped because nothing has changed. It’s okay, that is a sign that you are developing and changing during your time in college. Staying productive and enjoying the holidays with your family can make winter break feel like it is flying by. Happy holidays and have a great break!