7 ways to make the most of family weekend

It’s that time of the year again: when universities across the nation invite the families of their students to campus to see (most of) what their child has been doing for the past few months.

Classes are in full swing and there’s been just enough time for freshmen to start getting the hang of things and seniors to start checking out and begin thinking post-grad life.

If your parents are coming to visit your campus for family weekend, here are some tips to make the most of the experience.

1. Plan ahead and make a schedule.

Many universities send out information packets and update their website with important information. It’s helpful to chat with your parents via Skype or phone call and plan out the weekend beforehand. If your parents are coming from out of state, this could also be an opportunity for a mini vacation.

“Figure out what events you want to do, where you want to go, and what times work best for both the parents and student with their school schedule,” says Bobby Nahill, a sophomore studying journalism and theater at University of Southern California. “See what’s going on in the surrounding area, and if you’re a first time Californian like I was last year, take your parents to all of the must-see places.”

2. Actually do things with your parents.

If your parents take the time to come and see you in your natural habit, make sure you give them a great experience. Make them feel like they’re back in school again, whether that means taking them to a class with you or swiping them in to eat at the dining hall.

“This is the beginning of the end for living with your parents,” says Chandler Hoffmann, a junior studying economics at University of Southern California. “Take the time to be with them now, because you may not get to see them as much later on in life.”

3. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

There’s nothing like an awkward sibling fight or argument with your mom or dad to ruin the mood. Let little things that may usually bother you slide and just cherish the time you have with your family.

“You might not get to see your parents very often, so spend some quality time with them, says AJ Kohn, a freshman studying business at University of Miami. “Don't start fighting with them over mundane, petty things, and just enjoy their company, because for most of us they're the ones paying for us to be here.”

4. Go out to dinner together.

This is the perfect opportunity to eat at a nice restaurant and change up your usual meal routine. You and your family can relax, catch up and not have to worry about washing dishes or cleaning anything up.

“Get some really good food into your system, because Easy Mac, ramen, and cereal have probably gotten old by now, says Hoffmann. “It's a special occasion -- a reunion, so celebrate!”

Hannah O’Connor, a freshman studying political science at University of California, Santa Barbara, says she’s really looking forward to their family weekend and thinks going out to dinner will be a highlight.

“We are definitely going out to eat, it’ll be such a lovely break from the caf,” O’Connor says.

5. Introduce your parents to your college friends.

Your parents want to see how much fun you’re having at school and there’s no better way then to introduce them to your friends. Now is not the time to be embarrassed by your parents -- show your friends how much you appreciate your family.

“They will love to see you, and meet all of your friends,” says Karly Cassese, a junior studying nutritional sciences at University of Arizona. “You get to see your family without having to draw yourself away from your awesome campus life!”

6. Take your parents to an iconic university event.

Bring them to a sporting event, a student produced play, or something that lets them see what your university is all about. Let them experience your college from a student’s perspective.

“They are probably spending a lot of money for you to live, learn, and thrive at your university,” says Hoffmann. “Show them why it's worth it and what makes your time there so amazing.”

7. Take pictures.

Don’t forget to document the weekend. The rest of your family back home may want to see how much fun you and your parents had. You’ll be able to look back on these photos and cherish those family memories for a long time.

“No matter how close or far away you are from your family or whomever you have relations with, having a weekend dedicated towards reuniting with loved ones is a key factor within the college experience in my opinion,” Nahill says.

Casey Prottas is a junior at University of Southern California. 

This story originally appeared on the Paste BN College blog, a news source produced for college students by student journalists. The blog closed in September of 2017.