Once you’ve been living away from your parents’ watchful eyes for a while or you’ve gotten used to the layout of a new town, it can be very strange going home and returning to the way things were before you went off to college far away. Even if your “far away” was a grand total of 20 minutes, returning to curfews, phone limits or even a casino where the post office used to be can be shocking.
Restricted Freedom
Going from almost absolute freedom back to adult supervision is certainly something strange, and it can be rough for you and your parents or siblings to get back on the same page. Sometimes it’s easier if you’re not the first child to go to college, as your parents may be used to the shift, but if you have to return to all those protective rules—no matter how many times you might remind yourself that it’s just because they love you––after having a taste of freedom, it is very hard to give it up. As you head home, keep in mind that if your parents are a bit restrictive, they are only trying to protect you. They raised you since you were born, and you being out of the house for such a long time is a big change for both of you, so try not to get too upset when they say you have to be home by 9 p.m. And don’t worry – you’ll be back at NSU with all your college freedom all too soon.
Changes in your hometown
Once you’ve been at college for a while, things back home are certain to have changed. No matter how short it felt like you were gone, there are bound to be changes: a new restaurant was built, a new road was paved or an old gas station was torn down. Getting used to change in a place that you thought you knew like the back of your hand can be challenging and strange no matter how adaptable you might think you are. Although difficult, keep an open mind when going back home, and recognize that there will most likely be changes – just as you yourself has changed. Everything changes eventually – keeping an open mind can help you accept those changes.
Learning to drive again
Not all of us had the privilege of bringing a car to college, whether we live in Florida or not. A difficult situation to adapt to in any circumstance is remembering how to drive after not driving for a while. Driving is a lot like riding a bike, except your bike weighs around 4,000 pounds and could kill someone. After not driving for a while, your mind still remembers how to drive, but those first few moments behind the wheel can be nerve-wracking. Before you put yourself back in the driver’s seat and head across the highway, try to clear your head and go through a mental checklist of the little things: which pedal is which, which blinker is right and left, keeping an eye on the road.
No matter what difficulties you may face when you arrive home for the holidays, remember that soon enough you’ll be back at NSU where all you’ll have is UC food and the Shark Shuttle, so appreciate your family and friends and that delicious homemade food while you have it.
