Christmas is fast approaching, and usually, this is the time of family reunions and celebrations. However, in the midst of COVID19, going home would be difficult for both local and international students living far from home. With that said, it IS possible to head back home for the holidays, provided that they prepare ahead, either speaking with their migration agent and/or researching what they should do to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting COVID19.
But how?
Read on as I show you what to know before you, among other students, travel home for Christmas.
What to Know About Traveling Back Home as a Student?
Before you head on home, these are the following things you should know (and follow) so you stay safe and healthy!
- Book as Early as You Can
If you haven’t sorted out your travel plans and transportation details yet, NOW is the time to do so. It’s best to travel during the first to the second week of December, so you have time to quarantine at home for 2 weeks before Christmas.
Your university should advise you on when and how to travel home safely. For those unsure about your university’s stance on traveling back home, contact your Student Services to learn more.
For those who will travel via train, it’s best to book earlier to save on the costs. The same goes for plane tickets and buses. Fortunately, you can now book your tickets online instead of going out and risk contracting the virus.
- Prepare Your Travel Essentials
You have to prepare for more than just your ticket, clothes, and presents now! Depending on the airline, train station, or bus station you’ll be using, you may need to prepare a medical certificate stating you are fit to travel. Furthermore, you might also need to take a COVID19 test, which should have a negative result, in order to travel.
That is why booking as early as possible is recommended, so you have the time to book a doctor’s appointment to get a medical certificate and swab test. Your university or local government may have offered free swab tests before traveling, so take advantage of that and do your research to see if your school offers such.
Besides that, prepare your face mask, and maybe bring a box of disposable masks just in case!
- Get as Much Work Done Before Leaving
For those who have looming deadlines before or after the holidays, make sure you get as much done as possible before going home. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend the holidays stressing out with homework and exams due. Plus, when you’re with your loved ones and filled to the brim with Christmas dishes, you won’t want to be working anyway.
Working ahead means you eat things done with more time to spare, using that free time to relax and enjoy your time with family, the main reason why you’re heading home in the first place!
Besides this, stress from deadline is NOT good for your physical and mental health, which can also affect your immune system.
- Lay Low Before and During Your Trip
When you’re worried about contracting and spreading COVID19 to someone at home, particularly those who are immunocompromised, then it’s best to stay in your dorm and quarantine for at least 2 weeks before heading home. When doing so, follow these tips:
- Stop in-person contact with other people and stay at home, avoid going out unless it’s an essential reason
- Talk to those you live with and let them know you’re laying low for quarantining and tell them to take care if they need to go out
- Stay away from busy areas, such as the shops and shared areas in the dorm. If you need to, spend as little time in there and visit during times it’s not crowded
- Keep the windows open for better ventilation, especially when you are in a shared household
- Wear a face mask when in shared areas in the household, encouraging your roommates to do the same
- Do NOT share any dishware, towels, cups, etc.
- Wash your hands regularly, covering your mouth with a handkerchief or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Bring alcohol and/or hand sanitizer to use when needed
- I also recommend that you do your Christmas shopping online to avoid having to visit the shops. It’s best that you shop ahead as well to make sure that the packages arrive on time for Christmas Day. Also, make sure that you thoroughly sanitize the packages before opening them!
- If you need company and support as you stay at home, you can contact your friends online for virtual meetups! You can also contact Student Services, who can help you find the support you need. It can be tough being in quarantine and not being able to go out, after all.
It’s best to follow these tips even when you’re already at home, too!
If ever you have done risky behavior, such as being in large gatherings often, then it’s best that you stay in your dorm during the holidays, especially if you’ve been out during the 2 weeks before your scheduled trip back home. This is recommended to prevent spreading the virus to anyone who is vulnerable in the household and in your hometown, in case you have contracted it.
Wrapping It Up
As you leave the university for home, there are a few more things to prepare than the usual. It’s best to take the time and effort to prepare ahead so you won’t get stuck in the airport, unable to get home. Besides this, it will keep you and your loved ones safe from COVID19.
Hopefully, this article on what to know as a student traveling back home for Christmas helped you out! If you’re preparing to head on home, take this advice and stay safe this holiday season.
Do you have questions or want to share your insights on traveling back home this year? Share them in the comments section below, all your thoughts are much appreciated!
