As we countdown to Christmas, some of our student athletes have/are flying home to spend the festive season with their families, whilst others prepare to embark on a new & unknown experience… that of a WHITE Christmas, at College!
If you’re staying at College this Christmas & are unsure of what lies ahead… Fear not, I have some exciting tales to share with you! Recollections, sure to make you smile & fill your spirits with excitement & anticipation for this new & exciting journey ahead of you!
I sat down & interviewed some of NSR’s very own Prospect Manager legends; Harrison Burgess, Jacob Richards & Nicky Poulter, to share their personal college Christmas experiences, some advice & everything in between – just for YOU!
Tell me about your personal experience of Christmas on campus?
Harrison:
At Mount Mercy our college president was English, and every year he held a Christmas party for all of the international students at his house where they put on food, games, and everyone shared a little bit about their culture and how they celebrated the holidays in their own culture.
Jacob:
I did not have a Christmas on Campus. I spent all four years with my first room-mates family in Spencer, Iowa. It was obviously the complete opposite to what I was used to growing up in the heat. However, it was an unbelievable experience.
Nicky:
I spent the Christmas break living in my apartment on campus at AIB. A lot of the international students take this option as flying back from the USA to the mother land can be pricey. We had full access to the Activity Centre and personal gym which we took full advantage of. Part time work was available over the Christmas break and i found myself cleaning parts of the campus ( not a glamorous job but was money in my back pocket )
What did you enjoy most about Christmas on campus?
Harrison:
The thing I enjoyed most about Christmas on campus was that everyone looked out for each other, anyone who was staying on campus was going to be away from their family so we all made sure that we did the best that we could to make it feel like a home away from home.
Jacob:
It was definitely difficult being away from home. I was, and still am, so grateful that I was invited to spend Christmas with amazing people who are now my family. I enjoyed being surrounded by people that made me feel at home.
Nicky:
What I most enjoyed about Christmas on campus was having the free time to myself and spending the Christmas break with other internationals!
What did you not enjoy about Christmas in the States?
Harrison:
I think that any student who stays on campus over Christmas, whether they are international or American, would say that the worst part about staying on campus over Christmas is not being able to be with your family.
Jacob:
The amount of food. Too much for a skinny Australian bloke to handle.
Nicky:
I guess, being away from family for Christmas.
What is Christmas like in the US? Is it different to what you were used to?
Harrison:
The main difference that I found with Christmas was the fact that there was snow everywhere!
Jacob:
The complete opposite. No beach, no pool, no sun, no thongs, no anything to do with warmth. It was freezing cold, the place was covered in snow and I had to wear shoes when I went outside. However, I learnt how to ski, I built a horrifically poor snowman, I hung out in a hot tub outdoors in the cold weather under the stars, I didn’t eat yellow snow and I had an unbelievable experience.
Nicky:
The USA like all holidays blow Christmas out of the water and go all out for it ! Originally from London i spent my Christmas in cold weather which was the same in America. A few of the Australian at my school was used to having Christmas in the sun and this was their first Christmas in the cold weather.
What would be your tips/advice for students spending Christmas on campus?
Harrison:
Make sure you are not staying by yourself, campuses do tend to get pretty quiet over the break so if you are by yourself it can be very boring, not to mention depressing.
Jacob:
Depending on where you are in the country, DON’T EAT YELLOW SNOW. Take advantage of your opportunity. Join in as many American traditions as possible.
Nicky:
Find a part time job on campus to keep you busy, and just enjoy it, bit of you time and get out in the local city and experience a white Christmas!
Thanks to Jacob, Harrison & Nicky for sharing their personal Christmas College experiences!
To those of you staying at College this Christmas… Have FUN, stay SAFE, make lifelong MEMORIES & whatever you do, DON’T eat YELLOW SNOW (wise words, Jacob!)
Wish everyone a Merry Christmas & safe, prosperous & happy New Year, from the NSR team!
Share your Christmas at College stories with us? Comment below!