Take Advantage of Being Home

Penn State is the best school in the world, and State College is an awesome town, but there really is no place like home. Unless you’re a townie, you might get home once a semester with the exception of breaks. Take it from me – as a junior who has been here all three years, I’ve come to learn how to appreciate my 48-break from the dear old white and blue.

FOOD

I put this first because to me, it’s the most important. If you’re blessed with parents who can cook, (shout out to Momma T and Dad), ask them to make your favorite food. Your mom probably missed mothering you, so you don’t have to ask too much to have your favorite dinner when you get home. On the other hand, if your parents can’t cook, see if they’ll treat you to your favorite hometown restaurant. If you’re not taking a bus back, pack some food in a cooler and freeze it so you can enjoy it throughout the semester.

Laundry

If you’re one of those people who can survive the weekend with just a backpack of essentials, pack a suitcase full of dirty clothes to wash at home. Even if your parents won’t do your laundry, at least it’s free.

Snuggle with your pets

The very first thing I do when I get home is drop everything and run to my dog. Don’t let your pets leave your side until you leave on Sunday.

Spend time with your parents and siblings

Believe it or not, your parents miss you, and you probably don’t realize how much you miss them until you’re actually in your house. You’ll have all the time in the world to see your friends over breaks – use the weekend to do something with your parents. See if you can get your mom to take you shopping and if you can have a lunch date with your dad.

Sleep in your own bed

Falling asleep in your own, probably not twin-sized bed is an indescribable feeling of happiness and relaxation, especially if you have your own room at home. While I love my roommate, it’s really nice to not have to worry about being really quiet getting ready for bed, and I’m sure she loves not hearing my alarm go off at 6 a.m. on a Saturday so I can go to work. Snuggle up with your pets and have sweet dreams of what you’re doing this weekend.