The end of spring semester is an incredibly stressful and exciting time. Classes are creating stacks of papers, presentations, and tests needing to be done. Apartment complexes are creating and distributing check outs for those moving out. Motivation and focus are dwindling as the outside weather improves.
The end of finishing finals and homework is exciting. Moving back home for the summer...maybe not so much. There is a sense of uncertainty when approaching your high school bedroom after having a year of college experience. Everything has changed since saying good-bye to that bedroom, so how are you suppose to act being back home?
Adjusting to being home for the summer will take time and will take re-adjusting, no matter how many summers you return. It takes balance to create a fun-filled summer while remaining on good terms with the parents. The awkwardness of the summer months needs to be embraced while both student and parents rediscover their boundaries.
In less than three weeks, I will be moving back home for the third summer and I will again be adjusting living with my teenage siblings and parents. Through the last two summers, my parents and I have figured out ways balance my independence under their rules but there is no fool-proof or correct way of adjusting coming home.
Here are a few things to remember when moving back home for the summer:
Be Respectful
After living with non-family individuals, you should understand how crucial mutual respect is when creating a pleasant household. The same principle relates when returning back to your parents house. Try to reevaluate your actions and what could be changed to accommodate those sleeping during your midnight meals and Netflix binges. Caroline from Grown & Flown reminds all college students, "you are not at school and your actions are affecting a lot more than just yourself now."
Remember the Perks
After 9 months of surviving on junk food, Ramen noodles, and any free food the idea of coming home to food that has already bought is glorious. No more coin operated laundry machines, no more using your whole paycheck to pay rent, and no more obnoxious neighbors keeping you awake. You are home. This is just a brief list of some of the perks of returning home for the summer so next time you complain, don't. Remember the perks.
Get a Job
You should understand how refreshing spending time alone is after living with roommates. The same is true when living back at home for the summer. Balancing your summer break with a job that is enjoyable is a great way to expand your network, make money, and grant you time away from your family. Samantha from Learning Advisor says, "Staying out of the house is a sure way to avoid conflict, but it take it a step further, and do something meaningful with time you spend away."
Pick Your Battles
Now that you are home, you are back to rules and chores that are generally enforced better than the RA's in your college dorm. With the sudden change of environment and expectations, it could be easy to pick a fight for everything is asked of you but that wouldn't result in an enjoyable summer. It is important to remember that you are no longer in high school; you are a college student that has passed through their "rebellious" stage and can take out the trash.
Be Aware of the Obligations
Your home is no longer filled with young college students gaining their independence, having spontaneous movie marathons or Mario Kart tournaments. You are back home with your parents who will most likely want to know where you are and who is coming over. There is sense of obligation of asking who can come over and if you can leave once you are back at home. Ashley from Thought Catalog says, "The often feel uncomfortable and strange to revert back to your 'under age 18' days, in order to maintain peace and harmony in the house."
