Prepping to return home for Winter Break
In this Issue: we talk about some ways you can help your Deac think about returning home for an extended period
Your Deacs have another week or two on campus, then they will be coming home for Winter Break. This means they need to begin thinking about what they need to bring home with them. Since card access to the residential communities ends on Dec. 14 (and they can’t get back in their rooms), students need to pack thoughtfully for the break.
In the evolution of your relationship with your Deac, we urge you to become more of a consultant and less of a manager: a consultant helps prompt thinking about how to handle a given situation, whereas a manager tells you what to do and how to do it. You know your Deac, and you will know how much experience they have with packing – so you may need to provide more prompting or less.
Here are some suggested prompting questions:
What valuables/irreplaceable items do you have with you that should come home with you for break? If your Deac isn’t sure, you can suggest things like: jewelry, passport, cash, expensive items, etc.
What is your plan to take those valuables with you? In other words, would you pack those items in checked luggage? Put them in your purse/backpack and have them with you at all times? Mail them home? etc. The goal here is to help your student think about things that would be difficult to replace, and how best to safely transport them home.
What items do you use everyday that you would need at home? Are there medicines you need to have with you? These would be laptop, phone, chargers, keys, contact lenses/solution, glasses, prescription medicine, etc.
What items might be in friends’ rooms that you should get back before break? Sometimes students borrow clothes, video games, books, etc. They will want to talk to friends about getting those items back.
How long do you think it will take to gather everything so you can leave when you want to? Waiting until the last minute to pack can add stress, especially when they are also trying to study for finals. Help your Deac realize that it might be helpful to schedule dedicated time for packing.
What have you not used this semester, or what is no longer useful? Which things can come home with you now (and stay home)? Students often overpack at the start of the semester and find out that they didn’t need 20 t-shirts or every bit of sports equipment they own. If something isn’t getting used, it’s just taking up space. Any clothes that are no longer wearable (e.g., summer/hot weather clothing) could probably come home.
You may have other questions to add. But this is hopefully a good start to getting your Deac to think about what they need at home for the winter break, and what can stay in their residential community.