How to: Get home for the holidays

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A photo illustration shows BYU student Dustin Hill at home for the holidays with his girlfriend, Amy Hayden, and parents, Scott and Carol Hill. Traveling home for the holidays can be rewarding and restful when the trip is well-planned. (drew Van Wagenen)
A photo illustration shows BYU student Dustin Hill at home for the holidays with his girlfriend, Amy Hayden, and parents, Scott and Carol Hill. Traveling home for the holidays can be rewarding and restful when the trip is well-planned. (drew Van Wagenen)

Around the end of October both students and parents scramble to figure out how a student is getting home for the holidays. Getting home can put stress on all parties involved, but most students don’t have time to deal with it. The Universe created a tip-guide to getting home.

1. Plan ahead. Parents are usually more stressed about getting their student home than the students are. Parents like to talk to their students, which is easier to do in the beginning of the semester than near midterms. So even though it may seem like a pain, planning with parents early might save regrets later on.

2. Do your homework. It is likely that schedules will be busy during the holidays so students shouldn’t wait until they’re home to worry about homework, because it’s likely that it will never get done.

3. Make decisions. Decide on the most cost-effective and easy way to get home. Flights, Zimride or driving all have pros and cons. Students must make decisions quickly to avoid limiting their options. It’s easy to procrastinate in college, but getting decisions made early can help students open up possibilities.

4. Realize things won’t be the same. It’s hard to come home to change when students feel home is their only constant in a world of changing classes, friends and housing. The reality is that home may not be the same, so embrace the change. And even though most students don’t realize it, they’ve changed too!

5. Conquer your city. Once back home, plan out time wisely to make sure to get in all of the fun. But don’t overbook so it becomes more stressful than fun.

6. Enjoy your vacation. Relax. Take a break from school and enjoy it!

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