Before coming to UF, my mom and I agreed that I would come home to visit about once a month. When we made that arrangement, once a month seemed like a lot of going home to me. I have now discovered that so much goes on that I am happy to go back every month and talk about my experiences and see my family.
Everyone is different. Some students visit home just as often as I do and some choose not to. Teagan Corrigan, a fine arts freshman, is one such person. “Today, it’s so easy to stay in touch through the Internet and phones. I can easily contact friends and family back home. I believe it’s more important to stay at school and bond with new friends,” Corrigan explained. I think she makes a good point, but I am too close to my family and old friends to stay away for a long time.
My home is only an hour and a half away; I can easily go home on weekends unlike some students who live too far away to go home very often. I have several hallmates that live out of state; they will only be visiting their family during holiday breaks. I couldn’t imagine not being able to easily go home and see my family.
I know this may change after this year. After I have become fully used to living at college, I may not be willing or able to go home every four weeks. The novelty of welcome home dinners and special weekend devoted to my being there will wear off, I’m sure. But as of right now, I am happy to see my family as often as I do.
