The holidays are quickly approaching, and for higher education students, that means swapping textbooks and lecture halls for festive gatherings, family catch-ups, and all the comforts of home. But before you can kick back and let someone else worry about dinner and laundry, there’s an essential checklist to conquer. Here’s your guide to everything you need to do before heading home for the holidays, ensuring your break is relaxing, enjoyable, and free from surprise disasters.
Wrap Up Academics Like a Pro
Before you pack your bags, make sure you’ve finished all assignments ahead of schedule. Procrastination is the enemy of holiday cheer, so check your syllabus and online portals for any outstanding deadlines or final projects. If you’re uncertain about anything, reach out to your professors now—they’re often more accommodating before the holiday rush. Be sure to back up all your essays and notes to the cloud or an external drive, just in case your laptop gets misplaced or meets an unfortunate holiday accident.
Tend to Your Dorm or Apartment
Take a moment to clean out your fridge, tossing any perishables so you don’t come back to unpleasant surprises. Make sure you empty all your trash bins to avoid returning to an impromptu science experiment. Unplug your electronics to save on energy and reduce any fire hazards, and lock up your valuables—or bring them with you if possible—for peace of mind while you’re away.
Pack Smart—Don’t Forget the Essentials!
When it’s time to pack, remember to check your hometown weather and bring appropriate clothing. No one wants to face winter with only a pair of sandals! If you have exams after break, pack your study materials so you’re not caught off guard in January. Double-check that you’ve packed all your chargers and electronics—there’s nothing worse than a dead phone during travel. And if you’re exchanging gifts, make sure you know where you’ve hidden them or have safely tucked them into your bag.
Confirm Your Travel Plans
Secure your travel arrangements early since flights, trains, and buses fill up rapidly during the holidays. Coordinate rides with friends, roommates, or ride-sharing services for your trip to the airport or station—don’t leave this until the last minute. It’s also a good idea to check for any travel restrictions, especially if you’re crossing state or country lines, and make sure you have all the required documents.
Tie Up Loose Ends on Campus
Return your library books to avoid late fees, and finish any club or work obligations before you leave. Check in with your instructors to ensure they need nothing from you and wish them a happy holiday. If you know which courses you will be taking in the next semester, briefly connect with the instructors to build rapport.
Let your on-campus job or club leaders know your travel plans, and see if there’s anything you need to wrap up. Don’t forget to set your email away message for any organizations or work groups you’re a part of, so everyone knows you’re officially on break.
Get in the Holiday Spirit
Say goodbye to friends by planning a mini get-together, perhaps over coffee or holiday cards, before you part ways. For some extra fun, decorate your space with string lights or a small tree to make your last nights festive—just remember to tidy up your decorations before you head home.
Conclusion: Home for the Holidays, Stress-Free
With these steps checked off, you’ll glide into the holiday season feeling organized and at ease. Not only will you sidestep the pitfalls of college life—no more moldy leftovers or missed deadlines—but you’ll be perfectly poised to savor every moment with loved ones. Happy holidays and enjoy your well-deserved break!