Housing Guide 2014 | How I learned to stop worrying and love change

Homecoming. No, not the annual tradition welcoming alumni back to campus, but the event when you return home. It is a time of conflicting emotions, both elation and apprehension.

While I have been home a couple of times, this was my first time back on a permanent basis. My first thought on returning was: no rent! After which I thought of being able to spend time with my family again, as well as the friends I hadn’t seen since high school.

That first week back was pretty much exactly as I had imagined my homecoming. I would wake up mid-afternoon, do some things around the house, go out to meet up with friends, come home for dinner, then either go back out or head back to my room. Basically doing all the things I had done when I came back for my visits.

It was after that first week when things begin to take a downward spiral.

My parents would begin knocking on my door in the morning, asking about getting a job. Until then I was asked to do chores around the house. While I wasn’t paying any out-of-pocket expenses, living at home was not “free.” Also, unlike the dorm or apartment, it was not really possible to bring someone home after meeting them. Living with your parents definitely affects your social life.

On the subject of social life, those high school friends who never went away and whom you hung out with every time you came back? You realize it was only those small doses in which you were able to stand them. At a certain point you realize that while you still have some common interests, the way in which you communicate has diverged vastly.

Suddenly the amazing homecoming you dreamed about is now a nightmare. You spend a good deal of time looking for ways to leave your home and possibly city and talk to the friends you just left over the phone or social media.

However this is all a good thing. You see, you’ve grown these past few years. While still young, you have matured and your tastes have become more sophisticated. You shouldn’t feel comfortable living with your parents for an extended amount of time. You should feel awkward speaking at a high school level.

Rather than dwelling on how things have changed, use this as a catalyst for moving forward. Finding housing is very similar to the off-campus searches you did, with some minor variances. That work-study or internship you had gave you valuable job interviewing experience. While you may not have much in common with your high school friends, you’ve made a great number of friends the past few years whom you will likely stay friends with for life.

I realize everyone’s homecoming experiences will not be the same. Some students will come from a home were several generations live under the same roof, while others may not have a home or family to return to. My message to all of you crosses these boundaries. Don’t fear what comes next, don’t falter over the past but bravely face the future because you are prepared and have an amazing support group behind you.

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