If you moved away for college, coming home can bring up a mix of emotions—excitement, anxiety, or even uncertainty. Whether you’re looking forward to being back or are feeling on edge, the four tips we share in this article can help you make the most of your time at home!

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Talk to your family about expectations and boundaries 

When you’re back at home, your family might expect you to re-adapt to their norms, rules, and expectations. This can feel conflicting if you became adapted to the independence you gained as a new college student. On the other hand, your family may expect you to take on more responsibilities (like buying your own food or doing your own laundry), which can be just as stressful if you wanted to come home and relax. 

It’s important to talk to your family about expectations–both theirs and yours–before you go home or when you first get there. For example, how should you communicate plans outside of the household, like hanging out with friends or working a seasonal job? Is there a curfew you will be expected to follow? Are there any family gatherings you should be aware of? Depending on your family dynamic, your relationship to your family, your living situation, or your culture, it might feel difficult and uncomfortable to ask these questions. However, it can be important to bring these things up to avoid building tension within your family.

Keep in touch with your friends from college

After some time in college, it’s likely you’ve established your own community, like new friends, colleagues, or your “chosen family.” No matter how you do it, staying connected with these people can help you feel more grounded and remind you of the life you've built for yourself at school if things get stressful at home.

Balance rest and your productivity

Coming home for a break is a great time to recharge. It can also be an opportunity to take care of things you might not have had time for during the semester. If you have academic or personal goals—like updating your resume, applying for internships, or catching up on reading—try to set aside time for them while also giving yourself permission to rest. You can even follow up with doctor appointments, run any errands you've been putting off, and more! Also, don't forget to rest, catch up on sleep, and enjoy things you might not have had time for during the semester. Finding a balance between productivity and relaxation can help you make the most of your time at home without feeling overwhelmed. 

Get connected to mental health, self-care, and mindfulness resources

Being away from your campus, friends, and dorm can create more stress than usual, so it's important to take care of yourself and your well-being when you're home. To cope with stress:

• Use free online mental health resources.
• Check in with your college's counseling or mental health center to learn about the services they offer. 
• Learn how to find mental health support near you.
• Incorporate self-care into your days, such as meditation or journaling.

Have any questions about returning home from college? Text #Hello to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!