With Thanksgiving just around the corner, some University students are dealing with the stress that comes with knowing that they won’t be able to go home for one of the most family-oriented holidays of the year.
Many out-of-state students find that it is too hard to make it home for a long weekend with the family. Some students say they can’t afford it, and others say the turnaround time is just too quick.
Staying in the residence halls during Thanksgiving can be quite a lonely experience.
“The residence halls are pretty empty,” said Keisha Janney, a resident assistant in the Barnhart/Riley Complex. “Many residents live close enough to Eugene to travel home easily.”
For many freshmen, especially those who dealt with homesickness earlier in the year, the Thanksgiving holiday is a welcome respite — an opportunity to relax and see family before finals.
Kim Wilshire, who won’t be able to go home for Thanksgiving, isn’t looking forward to a long weekend in H.P. Barnhart Hall.
“I have no idea what I am going to be doing,” she said. “I don’t know Eugene at all. I’m pretty sad.”
Wilshire isn’t able to make it home to San Diego because flights are too expensive. She is thankful that one of her friends will be coming to visit, but she knows that it cannot replace being home for the holiday.
Residence halls don’t offer food services for Thanksgiving weekend because the majority of students are gone. Those who stay are left to fend for themselves.
John Hollan, assistant director of Residence Life, said most students are able to make the most of their time while staying on campus during Thanksgiving break.
“Many of them get together in groups to take advantage of the down time to go out to meals and enjoy time socializing in Eugene, which can be challenging during the academic year,” he said.
Another alternative to spending the weekend alone that many students find appealing is staying with a friend’s family.
Abram Goodstein, a freshman from Alaska, was able to find a friend to take him in.
“I’m really excited to go,” he said. “It’s really strange not going home; I’m going somewhere where I don’t know what it’s going to be like, but I think it will be a good experience.”
Regardless of whether students go home, the long weekend is an opportunity to get some much needed rest and relaxation before finals.