If you’re wondering whether you should go back to campus for finals week after Thanksgiving, you’re not alone. Sometimes there are mixed messages about how final exams will be distributed, and the back-and-forth travel can be a hassle.
For most public universities, Thanksgiving falls during a tricky time. So, should you go back? It depends. Collegeboxes will walk you through all the questions around Thanksgiving break.
How Long is Thanksgiving Break?
Thanksgiving break typically starts on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and extends to the Sunday after. This break lasts around five days; some schools extend it longer. Professors sometimes cancel classes for the entire week, allowing students more time to see their families.
How do I Plan for Thanksgiving Break?
Planning for Thanksgiving break can involve a lot of logistics, and you might end up staying on campus, whether it’s due to travel costs, work schedules, or plans that just fell through. Here’s a list of things to do to prepare for the break:
- Talk with your professors about classwork and homework for that week. Write down due dates and see if you can complete assignments early.
- Discuss Thanksgiving plans with your parents, guardians, or friends.
- Figure out your travel plans. If you’re flying, booking early and purchasing a ticket for Thanksgiving Day is often cheaper than flying earlier in the week. If you’re driving, schedule a tune-up with a trusted mechanic to make sure your vehicle is in good shape.
- If you’re employed, talk with your supervisor at least two weeks in advance about your time off.
- If you’re not planning to return for finals week, decide what to pack and what to leave for winter break. Also, check with professors to confirm if any last-minute assignments or in-person presentations are required.
- If you’re storing or shipping belongings, have everything packed and ready before you leave campus.
Do I have to Go Back for Finals Week After Thanksgiving?
Online classes are becoming increasingly common on college campuses — and for good reasons. They allow for extra flexibility, typically looser deadlines, and expanding a holiday weekend.
If you have no in-person classes after Thanksgiving break or any in-person finals, it really is up to you; however, there are some pros and cons to not going back to campus after Thanksgiving.
Pros:
- Extended winter break
- By not going back for finals, your winter break is going to be extended by at least two or three weeks. This could mean more time to work, relax, vacation, or hang out with friends back home.
- Less money spent on travel
- Tickets and gas can be expensive. You or your family could spend an extra $200-$300+ on flights, hotels, and gas.
Cons:
- Missing out on special college events
- College clubs will often plan holiday events around campus and giveaways.
- Missing out on college gamedays
- Late-season games can be some of the most exciting of the year. If you are going home, you may miss out on the fun atmosphere.
Get Your Storage and Shipping Sorted with Collegeboxes
Whether you decide to go home for winter vacation before or after Thanksgiving, Collegeboxes is here to ship or store your items for the break. All belongings are stored in a local U-Haul climate-controlled storage facility, so the harsh winter temperatures won’t touch your belongings. If you are transferring to another university over the holiday break, Collegeboxes offers ship to school as well.
Go with Collegeboxes today!