A STUDENT’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS

James Klusener

@jamesklusener

 

Going home for the holidays can be a wonderful time of year. After months of gruelling lectures and long study sessions, nothing sounds better than home-cooked meals and the chance to truly relax. However, it can quickly become exhausting, so having a plan in place is essential for staying sane.

 

One of the most important tips is to prepare a set of answers for the questions your family will inevitably ask. You know the ones: “What do you plan on doing after university?”, “When are you going to bring someone home?”, and for my fellow non-drivers, “When are you getting your licence?” It may seem silly, but having responses ready helps you stay calm and avoid getting annoyed by the constant barrage of well-meaning interrogation.

 

Next, a simple tip: enjoy the food. You’ve likely survived on noodles and bread for far too long (end-of-semester fatigue is real!), but now you’re home, and chances are the fridge is full, the pantry is stocked, and there are snacks galore. Savour the upgrade.

 

That said, try not to become too lethargic. With so much free time and no deadlines looming, the temptation to “bed-rot” is strong. There’s nothing wrong with lying in bed watching TikTok or Instagram reels, but passive scrolling isn’t exactly restorative. Keeping your mind engaged and active is just as important between semesters as it is during them.

 

To balance this, take the opportunity to learn something new. There’s a good chance you’ve been wanting to try a new skill but couldn’t find the time, but now you can. Often the hardest part is simply starting. Whether it’s a new hobby like painting, improving your cooking, or even launching that YouTube channel you’ve been thinking about, this is the perfect moment to empower yourself.

 

Also, remember to take time for yourself. At university, you control when and how often you socialise. At home, it can be overwhelming to constantly be around others. There’s no shame in retreating to your room or finding a quiet spot when you need a break. Social batteries are real, and it’s important to recharge when needed.

 

Above all, remember that these next couple of months before the new academic year are about rest and rejuvenation, and finding inspiration and excitement for the year ahead. Enjoy this time with your family, grow closer to them, and embrace the love you may not have realised you missed during the year.

 

 

 

Edited by Simoné de Witt