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When thinking about the college year, it can be overwhelming. The College Year has many different periods and understanding each one can help make for a better experience.
Columbus Day is a significant milestone during the fall semester, especially for freshman students. Columbus Day, or in many states, Indigenous People’s Day, is a three-day weekend that falls in the middle of October. The semester is in full swing, fall sports are hitting the midway point, and students are established with the college routine.
This break in class is also an opportunity for many local students to go home for the weekend. It is a chance to see high school friends who are also returning home. Most freshman students will take advantage of being able to go home. (Upperclassman might be more likely to take a trip with friends to a travel destination.)
For students returning home, it can be very comforting to share the experiences of the start of school with their best friends from high school. The transition to college is certainly not easy. In fact, it is one of the most drastic changes to a student’s life up to this point.
Academics: Academically, the students have a good understanding of the expectations of professors. They have been through several weeks of classes, so routines have been established. Students may also have formed study groups and bonded with classmates through labs and projects. When we returning home for the weekend, students can study in the environment that they were comfortable in for the years of high school.
Halfway There: October is also a common time for schools to have midterms and major writing assignments due. If these dates fall before Columbus Day, it is a nice break and chance to take a deep breath and recharge. If the exams are after Columbus Day, students have a three-day weekend to prepare for those major assessments and put themselves in the best place to succeed.
Roommates: One situation that is very concerning for most freshmen is having a roommate and getting along with that roommate. Most cases are perfectly fine, however, like any relationship, there are ups and downs. Parents will have advice, but it is more helpful to be able to talk with other students who are having similar experiences. It can be reassuring to hear a trusted opinion and these talks can provide some coping strategies for everyone.
Learning About College Opportunities: Sharing experiences with peers is also very comforting. People may be trying clubs that might spark the interest of other students. Some students may share experiences of going to professional sporting events near their school or visiting other colleges. Greek life is a major part of mini school and students are interested in this aspect of college, they can talk to others who have been through the process.
Family: It is also comforting to see family. In some cases, a student and family have been separated for the longest time in their lives. So being able to get a home-cooked meal, go out to a favorite restaurant, or simply chill out on the couch is great for the mental state of the students (and family).
Home And Community is Still There: For many students, this is the first trip home since being dropped off on the first day. It can be reassuring to know that life goes on. The family is continuing with their jobs and other relationships.
If a student is lucky enough, perhaps there will be high school sporting events that they can be attended, such as a Friday night football game. Although no longer the big people on campus, people will recognize the returning college students and strike up a conversation about how the school year is going. There may be a little sadness that the high school stage of their life is over, however, it also can be comforting to know that they are still welcome by many people who are attending the game and still can have fun with their other friends.
Light at the End of the Tunnel: Being reflective is not a trait common to most college students. Typically they go with the flow, not looking too far into the future. However, if they do happen to think a little bit about the upcoming weeks, they will see that Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Break are on the horizon. This will be the next chance for local students to return home for many to see family and friends. This reality makes the next few weeks a little less daunting for the students.
It is OK to Go Home: Students will also realize that all college students come home at some point during the school year. All college students do it. So if there is a time of sickness, anxiety, or just need to get away from college life, the door will always be open. Family will drop everything to cook that favorite meal, make the house warm and inviting, and do all they can to support the college student.
Each college experience is unique, however, we do feel Columbus Day is a significant accomplishment for students. Regardless of grades, students have made it several weeks into the semester. They are gaining more and more independence each week and year of college. They are gaining new perspectives on life. They are learning more about their capabilities and possibilities. And most importantly, they can be comforted knowing that college is a temporary experience. Friends, family, and community will always be there. For those students who are struggling at school, it also let’s them know that returning home to explore other possibilities can be best for that.
We hope you enjoyed this post. We hope to offer more information as the year goes on.