katie grace hatton
I know. It can be the scariest yet most exciting weeks of your life. Your college countdown has finally hit single digits and your parents are starting to cry every day. Those last few days may seem like they just get longer and longer but how you occupy them is so important! Here is my way of spending those seven days.
1. Spend quality time with your family! Especially if you have younger siblings. Even though your siblings may act like they are happy you are leaving, deep down they are going to miss your more than you think. If you have older siblings, have them give you advice about the first few weeks of college because they have been through it and know you more than anyone. But most of all, spend time with your parents. Even if it is just having dinner together or watching a movie with them. I know college is just an exciting couple days but for your parents, their child is leaving the nest and they can no longer tell you what to do, which is a very daunting thought for them. They only want to see you succeed, but now they can’t be there every step of the way.
2. Hang out with your friends! Because let’s be real, you probably won’t see them until Thanksgiving or Christmas. I know you have already probably planned visits to each other’s colleges but truthfully, once y’all get onto your campuses, your school will consume your life. From joining clubs, rushing a sorority, and attending sporting events, you will be busy 24/7. Not to say that visiting your friends won’t happen, but everyone will have different schedules and commitments so it will be harder than you think! Sooooooo…plan something fun with all your besties like a nice dinner or a spa day and enjoy your last couple hours together! My friends and I are going out to a really nice dinner at a restaurant in downtown Los Angeles and getting all dressed up because who doesn’t like getting dolled up!
3. Get to know your roommate! Whether you don’t know them or are already best friends on snapchat, your freshman roommate is going to be such an important person in your life. They will be your first friend and will be your ultimate sleepover buddy! If you go random, once you find out their name, find them on Facebook and message them! They are in the same boat as you and want to get to know you as much as you want to get to know them! Talk about your favorite foods and TV shows and learn theirs because you never know, they might like the same things as you!
4. Get your packing done early. I know it doesn’t sound fun to pack suitcases and boxes all day, but getting everything all packed will make you less stressed the night before you leave. It will also let you enjoy your last couple days at home. You can go out whenever because all of your stuff is packed and ready to go! Your parents will also be calmer the day you leave and that’s always a good thing!
5. Eat at your favorite restaurant in your home city. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even an ice cream place, savor that meal because you won’t be having it for a while. This could go along with spending time with family and friends! Take your siblings out for ice cream or agree with your friends on a hometown favorite for dinner! Being from the west coast, In-n-out will be my restaurant of choice before I leave!
6. Lastly, make plans for when you come home. Whether it’s a weekend trip or planning a Christmas party with all of your friends from home, knowing you something to look forward to can always make you feel better when you feel a little homesick! At Alabama, we have a fall break and I’m coming home bringing my roommate, something I am so looking forward to! It is something that will for sure keep me happy when I miss home!
So there you have it! Just some fun things to do before you have that one way ticket in your hand and are boarding a flight or when you put on your seatbelt in your car stuffed to the rim to begin the drive to college! Hope y’all a great last week of summer and just remember to see as many people as you can because you know when you see their first college Instagram you will automatically miss them!
XOXO KGH