Holiday Break Tips for Students Away from Home

The holidays are a special season filled with food, family, friends, and fun, but what do students do when they cannot head back home for the holiday break? Follow these tips if you find yourself far from home this season.

Try to begin with coping and realization. We realize that this is easier said than done, but all in all, students should realize that they are not the only one spending a holiday break alone. Sometimes it isn’t worth the financial sacrifice to make it home. If you just can’t justify the costs of traveling home this holiday season, you’re not alone, although it might feel like you are. In addition to finances, there are a number of factors that impede students’ abilities to go home during winter holiday break, including final exams, short break periods, and jobs on or near campus, along with other obligations. Knowing that others are facing the same difficulty does not necessarily alleviate the pain many students feel when they realize they must leave their home behind this holiday break, however. With that being the case, follow these tips:

1. Learn to cook. Learning to cook will not only sustain students throughout a long semester, but throughout life. Proper nutrition is key to a healthy life. Not to mention, cooking can be a fun hobby and great hosting skill.
2. Host a “Friendsmas” party. Once you know how to cook, it’s time to host a holiday friend bash! Chances are there are plenty of students who are stuck in or around school during the holidays, too. Get together, play games, exchange a few gifts, and become a big, happy family!
3. Utilize video chat. Students who miss their family, friends, and home will highly benefit from a Skype call every now and then. Nothing will make students feel closer to their family and friends than a video chat! Students will be excited to hear their family, and also see them!
4. Keep yourself busy. Rather than sitting around sulking, take the opportunity to learn a new skill, work, study, and build meaningful relationships. It is hard to be alone for the holidays, especially with a lot of free time. Keeping oneself busy can help keep one’s mind off the loneliness, and participating in genuinely enjoyable activities is the best thing to do.
5. Freelance. While freelance work and building a business might not be the most enticing holiday hobby, it is a great way to earn money, and it is a great resume-building opportunity. Students who study in certain programs, such as our Computer Developer Program, can use their skills all throughout school to build up a network of contacts and clients. What better way to use one’s spare time than to work toward a better future?
6. Reach toward your goals. Often, students use holiday breaks for rest and relaxation. While this is an important factor in every person’s life, students can also use their breaks to work toward a goal they had in mind. Whether a student has always wanted to learn to swim, or they just want to organize their closet, using down time to work toward one’s goals is a great way to feel accomplished by the end of the break.
7. Get moving. Surprisingly enough, getting exercise benefits not only the body, but also the brain. Exercise can reduce stress and enhance one’s mood, therefore promoting a positive attitude. Rather than staying inside, sulking, get out and about—students will feel better inside and out!
8. Make the best of it. All in all, the best idea is to make the best of the situation. The holidays are a time for reflection, relaxation, and loving one another. Whether near or far from family and friends, it is important to remember that—and today’s technology makes that possible, even 1,000 miles away.

Although we would like to see all of our students enjoy the holidays with family and friends, we know that this is not always possible. Know that you are not alone, and please know there is always someone available to listen just a Google search away if you need to talk. Enjoy your well-deserved break!

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services