After 11 weeks of university, Friday 12th December signals the date for me to head back home for the Christmas break.
Now I can only speak for myself, and I'd probably say I was in a minority as well on this, but I don't tend to head back home during term-time. I don't see the need and I don't see the point, apart from family celebrations or extenuating circumstances.
This may ruffle a few feathers, but for me, university is all about new experiences, namely living away from home comforts, and being able to plan your day efficiently and proactively around work, sport and social commitments which will stand you in good stead for later life. Returning home on a regular basis surely negates the whole university ethos?
I accept that certain circumstances are different; as Harper is primarily a land-based university, there are a lot of students who return home to work on their family farms, yet if this is the main aim after finishing their studies as well, how is going to university a chance to experience something new when they're returning every weekend?
My background is slightly different, which I explained in my first blog; I lived in Australia for 11 months on my own when I was 18 so as such, I don't feel the need to rush back home every weekend when it is only a mere 90 minutes away; for me 11 weeks at university is a perfect break from home comforts and a chance to shape my day as I please.
I'm not saying that I don't enjoy the fridge being full, or my washing being done, or the house being warm, but I find that being away enhances my independence and gives me a sense of perspective on the real world that I'm still not convinced that the majority of students who return home on a regular basis have.
Indeed it is doubtful that they are in actual fact living away from home. In a reality where university students get at least 22 weeks holiday a year, plus in the final year we receive four "reading weeks" when there are no scheduled lectures, it is hardly an argument for independence, or to return home during term-time at all.
Students at universities in major cities may have a totally different approach, in that they have no means of getting home regularly due to it not being economically viable to keep a car with them, so when they do, it is a welcome break and a chance to meet up with family.
In this respect then, university students often talk about having two separate lives - one at home and one at university, though with the continued popularity of Facebook, there is often cross-locational networking that ensures regular communication with different contacts is upheld, albeit virtually and not in person.
I find that I have two distinct separate groups of friends - those at university and those at home, which are mostly centred around my young farmers club, past work colleagues or old school friends. Yet for me, this differentiation is preferable.
There is nothing like having a good catch-up with friends that you haven't seen in a while, which makes their company an altogether more advantageous use of your time. I have a good group of mates at university, but there seems to be an understanding that holidays are home-orientated, and it is this perception that makes for better friendships.
However returning home for the holidays still takes a bit of getting used to when you have been away for a while. I'm not implying that it is unfamiliar, but more in the sense that parents will be concerned about the time you will be back if you're going out, or questioning why you need to sleep in all morning.
There is definitely no place like home, but in order for this to have a greater meaning, and for personal future benefit, I'm a true advocate of university life remaining separate and differentiated.
