As the academic year winds down, summer vacation begins! Many of us find ourselves returning home, ready for a break. While it’s exciting to reunite with family and old friends, adjusting to life back at home can be challenging. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this transition smoothly and make the most of your time away from campus.
Re-establishing Your Routine
At university, we get used to a certain level of independence and a self-directed routine. Returning home, however, often means readjusting to family schedules and household rules. Here’s how to ease back into a balanced routine:
Communication: Have an open conversation with your family about your needs and any changes in your routine. In Hong Kong, my family love to have dim sum together every Sunday morning. While I enjoy this tradition, I made sure to communicate that I might need some mornings to myself for relaxation or studying.
Stay Organised: Use planners or apps to keep track of any summer courses, part-time work or personal projects. It helps you manage your time efficiently and keeps you productive.
Managing Expectations
It’s natural for both you and your family to have certain expectations about the summer break.
Be Flexible & Share Your Goals. Let your family know about your summer plans, whether it’s an internship, a part-time job or simply some downtime. Sharing your goals will help them to understand your priorities in order to support you better.
Reconnecting with Friends
Catching up with high school friends is one of the highlights of coming home. However, everyone’s schedules and lives might have changed. Here’s how to make the most of reconnecting:
Plan Ahead: Reach out to friends early to schedule meet-ups. This ensures that you can find time that works for everyone. I planned a reunion with my high school friends somewhere near our alma mater, where we reminisced about old times.
Be Open-Minded: Accept that some friendships may have changed. Embrace the opportunity to reconnect and see how everyone has grown. One of my friends had taken up photography and we spent an afternoon exploring the hidden alleys of Sham Shui Po, capturing the essence of the city.
Explore Together: Take this chance to explore local attractions or revisit favourite hangouts. It’s a great way to create new memories and strengthen bonds. For instance, we revisited our favourite Cha Chaan Teng in Mong Kok, where we immersed ourselves in pineapple buns and milk tea.
Making the Most of Family Time
Family time can be both rewarding and challenging. Balancing quality moments with personal space is key:
Family Activities: Engage in activities that everyone enjoys. This could be anything from movie nights to outdoor adventures. My family loves hiking, so we often spend weekends trekking through the beautiful trails of Dragon’s Back or Tai Mo Shan.
Help Out: Contributing to household chores lightens the load for your family. I took up the responsibility of grocery shopping in the local wet market, which not only helped my family but also allowed me to reconnect with the vibrant local culture.
Cherish moments! Simply appreciate the time spent with family, especially if you don’t get to see them often during the academic year.
Self-Care and Personal Growth
Summer break is an excellent opportunity for self-care and personal growth. Here’s how to focus on yourself:
Relax and Recharge: Take time to unwind and recharge. Whether it’s reading a book, practicing yoga or simply sleeping in.
Learn Something New: Use this time to pick up a new hobby or skill. Whether it’s cooking, learning a new language or exploring a new sport, summer is perfect for personal development. I enrolled onto a cooking class where I learned to make delicious dim sum, which I then recreated for my family.
Reflect and Plan: Reflect on the past year, celebrate your achievements and set goals for the upcoming year. This reflection can provide clarity and motivation for the future. I spent some quiet evenings journaling about my experiences at Reading and setting new goals for the next academic year, such as joining more student societies and enhancing my grades.
Staying Connected to Uni Life
While it’s important to disconnect and enjoy your break, staying slightly connected to university life can ease the transition back:
Stay in Touch: Keep in touch with your university friends, like a quick chat or video call. Also keep in touch with the University, such as regularly checking the universities social media pages for the latest news and updates.
Prepare for the Next Term: Gradually start preparing for the next academic term. Reviewing notes, reading ahead or organising your materials can make the return less daunting. I started reading ahead while enjoying the scenic view from my favourite coffee shop in Tsim Sha Tsui, combining relaxation with productivity.
Returning home for the summer can be a mix of joy and adjustment. By balancing your independence with family life, reconnecting with old friends and taking time for self-care, you can make this vacation both enjoyable and fulfilling. Wish you all a fantastic summer break!