Before leaving for college, students have little agency over how to spend their holiday breaks. They may have some choices regarding their day-to-day activities, but parents typically handle travel and other significant events. Once they become college students, however, students now have big choices to make as the holiday's approach. This article will help students navigate those holiday decisions and make the occasion slightly less stressful.
Make the Best Choices for You
Students should feel free to put themselves and their needs first on holidays. This often means setting new boundaries with family. Having these conversations might be very difficult for both students and families. Students are often not used to being included in holiday planning conversations, much less having to disagree with parents and advocate for themselves. Parents or other family members may not consider that a student has different priorities or plans. These conversations can be difficult, but students must approach them from a place of respect. Having some prepared compromises can also come in handy.
Get Tickets Early, and Have a Plan B
Often, 2-3 months is the best time to buy plane tickets. This is because it sits between the early bird peaks and last-minute buyers. For holiday travel, forget it. Get tickets early, and kick in for the travel insurance. The airline industry has been having a miserable time staffing, and flights have been canceled left and right. As the travel date nears, keep tabs on alternative flights you can book.
Bonus Tip: Generic Airport Advice
Dress in layers and avoid overly accessorizing. Think about TSA; how long will it take to get shoes off, technology out of the bag, etc. Be conscious of having too large containers of shampoo and other liquids. Get to the airport early. I usually try to arrive two hours before my flight. Keep in mind flight times are wheels up, not boarding. Also, understand the size of the airport. OMA in Nebraska has two terminals that are effectively one large room — impossible to get lost.
On the other hand, ATL in Atlanta has an indoor tram to move people across the much larger airport. If a student goes to a larger airport, add extra time. On the aircraft itself, think about efficiency. Spending too much time in an aisle with a carry-on is a great way to irritate fellow travelers.
Check-in with Friends and Community
Not everyone's life is built like a Hallmark movie. Many do not have a welcoming family situation or do not have the means to travel home. Others may deal with seasonal depression regardless of their status back home. Students need to be aware that their experience is not universal, and some people may struggle during what is a joyful and exciting time for most.
That is not to say students are entirely responsible for their friend's mental health over the holiday; instead, even just thinking about sending an extra text to someone alone or struggling during the holiday season can go a long way. Students may also consider giving back to their communities. The holidays can often be difficult for those less fortunate, and many universities offer opportunities for students to donate their time to make it easier for families in need. Connectedness to the community correlates with student success, and volunteer opportunities are great for students to do just that.
In Short...
The holiday season offers students a much-needed extended break from their studies and represents, for many, an opportunity to return home. Relative to high school, however, the holiday season requires much more effort for college students to be able to manage. They have agency they did not have before, and making decisions around the holiday season is tough, especially when setting new boundaries.
Organizing travel can also be daunting, and there is no such thing as too much preparation for a busy airport. Finally, being conscious of their community, whether it is their close group of friends or the larger town or city, can enable students to make a difference and make others' holiday seasons a little bit brighter.
