Going back home for the holidays is a privilege many students look forward to, especially after finishing a stressful week of studying and acing final exams. Whether it’s an hour drive home or a 24-hour plane ride, returning home for the holidays brings a sense of relief that many students crave by the end of the semester. However, between packing, planning, and navigating travel crowds, it’s easy for things to get stressful. To make the journey smoother, here are some helpful tips every student should keep in mind (when traveling home for the holidays, and on any travel day) :
Pack Smart, Travel Comfortably
By packing light, you’ll have room to bring back new clothes, things for your dorm/apartment, small gifts, and anything you pick up during the break! Remember to pack essentials you need, such as electronic devices (computer, iPad, etc), chargers, toiletries, and clothes you know you’ll 100% be wearing, then add what you want to bring. Travelling makes a difference when you carry on doesn’t look like it’s busting out the seams.
Unpredictable weather
For those driving home, December weather is always unpredictable. Make sure to check the routes you’ll be taking, keep an emergency phone charger handy, and let others know about your travel plans. For those flying, stay on top of delays, gate changes, and buy yourself time to move around the frolicking crowds of people.
Keep valuable items close.
Passport, ID, keys, etc., keep your most valuable items close. Personally, storing important documents in a designated pocket in a personal bag makes them easier to access, keeps track of them, and reduces stress during TSA and boarding.
Airport Inflation
Keep your energy levels up on long travel days. We all know how expensive snacks, drinks, food, and almost everything else can be at the airport, so plan ahead! Bring a small empty water bottle you can refill at the fountains after security, and buy your snacks before you get to the airport to avoid overspending. With that said, no one blames you for splurging on food if you’re really hungry. Sometimes an overpriced burger is worth the peace of mind.
Know your plans!
This is an obvious one, but make sure you understand your full travel schedule before you leave. Know what time you need to be at the airport or bus station or road, know who’s picking you up once you arrive, and how you’re getting from point A to point B. Screenshot your boarding passes, hotel or home address, and any transportation confirmations so you can access them even without Wi-Fi. Having everything planned out ahead of time saves you from last-minute confusion and ensures a smooth day of stressful holiday traveling. We all want to get away from college food, flat dorm mattresses, and closer to home as soon as possible!
For international students:
International students have a few extra steps to complete before traveling for the holidays. To avoid any mishaps and complications when reentering the U.S, you’ll need to do the following:
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
- Carry your F-1 visa, I-94, and SEVIS record at all times.
- Print out your I-20 form! Your I-20 is essential. It confirms your academic program and your F-1 student status. Make sure your major, program end date, and personal information are accurate. If anything has changed, request an updated I-20 through the ISAP Portal.
Travel Signature (Don’t Skip This!):
Every international student must have a valid travel signature on page 2 of their I-20 to re-enter the U.S. after international travel. This signature confirms that you are in good standing at Georgia Southern: Valid for 1 year for active F-1 students and Valid for 6 months for students on OPT
Do NOT wait until the day before your flight. ISAP gets busy during the holidays. You can request a new travel signature by:
- Logging in to your myGSU portal,
- Opening the ISAP Portal,
- Submit the Travel Form, or stop by the ISAP Office in the Rosenwald Building before you leave.
Only one more week to go. Enjoy your holidays!
