Savanna Hoffman
Thanksgiving break is a much-needed respite for university students, who often have mixed feelings about returning to campus after the holiday. While some students relish the opportunity to sleep and binge-watch shows in their now-quiet dorms, others make the most of the long weekend by travelling home to spend quality time with family and friends. For those who remain on campus, universities often step in, with deans and professors offering spots at their tables for Thanksgiving dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Typical duration of Thanksgiving break for university students | 4 days (including the weekend) |
| Common departure day | Saturday before Thanksgiving |
| Common return day | Sunday after Thanksgiving |
| Remaining semester length after break | 6 days of classes plus a week of finals |
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What You'll Learn
Students often leave the Saturday before Thanksgiving
For students who live far from their university, travelling home for Thanksgiving can be a significant journey. Leaving on Saturday gives them more time to travel and helps to avoid the rush of students all departing on the same day. It can also be a more cost-effective option, with cheaper travel fares often available outside of peak times.
Some students may also choose to use this extra day for other activities, such as catching up with friends at university or exploring the local area before it gets too quiet over the break. It can be a good opportunity to spend time with classmates who are also staying on campus during the holiday, creating a sense of community and potentially forming new friendships.
Additionally, leaving on Saturday gives students a buffer if they encounter any travel delays or issues. With a longer window for travel, they can reduce the stress of travelling during a busy time and ensure they arrive home in good time for Thanksgiving. This is especially beneficial for those travelling by plane, as it allows for potential flight delays or cancellations without impacting their holiday plans.
While some students opt to leave on Saturday, others may prefer to leave on Sunday or Monday, depending on their personal preferences and travel plans. Ultimately, the choice of departure day allows students flexibility in their travel arrangements, ensuring they can make the most of their Thanksgiving break and return to university well-rested and refreshed.
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Some students stay in the dorms over the break
For various reasons, some university students stay in their dorms over the Thanksgiving break. One reason could be that they want to save money on travel and instead put that money toward student loans or future vacations. While staying in the dorms over Thanksgiving doesn't mean a student has to be alone, they may have friends who are also staying on campus. They can make a ""Friendsgiving"" and purchase pre-made meal packages from grocery stores. Alternatively, they could be invited by a friend who lives near campus to join their Thanksgiving celebrations. Some university deans and professors have also been known to offer spots at their tables for Thanksgiving dinner, allowing students to make new friends.
Staying in the dorms over Thanksgiving can also be an opportunity for students to enjoy some peace and quiet, as they may now have the room to themselves. They can use this time to catch up on sleep or binge-watch a TV show they've been wanting to see. Parents can send their children care packages to make them feel loved, as the dining halls are usually closed during the break. Although it might be disappointing to miss out on a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, students can still relax and eat what they want without worrying about calories. Overall, staying in the dorms over the Thanksgiving break can be an opportunity for students to socialise with friends, enjoy some quiet time, and save money.
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Students can spend Thanksgiving with friends
Thanksgiving break is a time for university students to visit their families and relax before final exams. However, not all students go home for Thanksgiving. International students, for example, may find it challenging to travel back to their home countries during the brief break. In such cases, students can choose to spend Thanksgiving with friends.
Student associations play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and inclusion for those who remain on campus during Thanksgiving. These organizations provide a valuable opportunity for international students to connect with their peers and celebrate the holiday together. For instance, members of the Bangladeshi Students' Association (BSA) at Florida Atlantic University shared their experiences of spending Thanksgiving away from home. Sabrina Islam, the risk management officer of BSA, expressed the challenges of travelling back to Bangladesh during the short break. Instead, she spends time with friends, often organizing an evening party or exploring restaurants and other social spots. Islam also maintains a connection with her family back home through video calls.
Abdullah, another international student and member of BSA, shared similar sentiments. They emphasized the importance of student associations in providing a sense of belonging and a "slice of home". Abdullah mentioned their plans for a one-night campfire in Florida, a potluck with friends and family, and a Turkey BBQ. They also highlighted the need for increased funding for international student organizations to host cultural programs and festivals, making students who stay on campus feel more included.
Universities like Harvard also offer insights into how students can spend Thanksgiving on campus. Ana, a senior at Harvard, shared her experience of staying on campus during her second Thanksgiving break. She suggested exploring museums, trying new cafes, and resting as the campus gains a slower pace. Additionally, students can opt for a "Friendsgiving", a mix of cooking and picking food from Annenberg, creating special memories with friends.
Thanksgiving is a time to foster connections and create meaningful experiences, whether with friends or family. For students who choose to stay on campus or spend the holiday with peers, there are ample opportunities to celebrate and make the most of this festive season.
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Universities sometimes offer spots at professors' tables
University students in the US usually get a four-day weekend for Thanksgiving, which falls on a Thursday.
Thanksgiving is a time for family and giving thanks, and universities often try to ensure that students, especially international students, are not left alone during the holiday. Some universities have students fill out forms indicating if they are staying for Thanksgiving, and professors and staff will then invite these students to their homes.
Professors at universities sometimes invite students to their homes for Thanksgiving dinner, treating them as family. This can be a great opportunity for international students or those who are unable to travel home for the holidays to experience a traditional Thanksgiving celebration and connect with their professors and peers in a different context.
One example of this is Professor Larry Bailey from Marshall University, who invited 60 students to his home for Thanksgiving dinner in 2018. In his invitation, Professor Bailey emphasized that students would be welcomed as family and would enjoy good food and a joyful time. Over the years, a handful of students have accepted his invitation, which includes dinner with his "loud and joyful family", including his wife, their three children, and both sets of parents.
Another professor, who teaches at a small liberal arts college, shared that they used to invite full classes of students over for dinner every year. Now, they host smaller groups, such as seniors from their department in the spring and a dozen of their partner's students a few times a year.
Students who have been invited to professors' homes for Thanksgiving have shared that it is a wonderful opportunity to get to know their professors outside of the classroom and experience a different culture. It can also lead to lasting connections and traditions, as one student shared that they have attended their professor's Thanksgiving dinner every year since their first invitation.
So, while universities may not officially offer spots at professors' tables, it is not uncommon for professors to open their homes to students during the Thanksgiving holiday, creating a memorable and positive impact on their college experience.
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Students return after Thanksgiving and have six days of the semester left
The Thanksgiving holiday is a time when many university students choose to return home to spend time with their families. However, not all students can or want to travel back home, and some prefer to stay in their dorms during the break. For those who remain on campus, it can be an opportunity to catch up on sleep, relax, and socialise with friends. Universities often encourage students to socialise and celebrate with their peers, and some professors and deans even open their homes to students for Thanksgiving dinner.
The length of the Thanksgiving break varies between universities, but typically, students have a few days off around the Thanksgiving holiday itself. Some students may leave the Saturday before Thanksgiving, while others may depart on Sunday. After the break, students usually have a short amount of time left in the semester, such as six days plus a week of finals, as mentioned in one account.
For students who remain in their dorms during Thanksgiving, it can be a peaceful time with fewer people around. They may take the opportunity to binge-watch shows, relax, or catch up on sleep. Students who stay on campus can still enjoy a festive meal, as grocery stores offer pre-made meal packages that are quick and easy to prepare. Some may also choose to spend Thanksgiving with friends, either in the dorms or at a friend's home nearby.
The Thanksgiving break provides a brief respite before the final push of the semester. With only six days left in the semester, students returning from the break may feel a sense of urgency to complete any outstanding assignments and prepare for final exams. This period is often intense, with students wishing to wrap up the semester by Thanksgiving. However, it is a crucial time for students to focus and finish the term strongly.
During this final stretch, students may experience a mix of emotions, from the stress of impending exams to the relief of seeing the semester come to a close. It is a time for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, putting into practice what they have learned throughout the term. While the days following Thanksgiving may be challenging, they represent the home stretch towards the completion of another successful semester.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of the Thanksgiving break for university students varies. Some students have six days plus a week of finals left in their semester after the break. Others leave on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and return the following Sunday, giving them a week off.
Students who stay on campus can make a "'Friendsgiving' with other students who are also staying on campus. Some universities also have deans and professors who offer spots at their tables for Thanksgiving dinner.
Parents can send their child a college care package with snacks, as the dining halls are usually closed during the break.
