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(Not) home for the holidays

Why some out-of-state students don’t go home.


Written by Izzy Aparicio



For many college students, the holiday season means a return home, revisiting the familiar remnants of their adolescence, like that hot pink bedroom they haven’t painted over since middle school. But what if it wasn’t feasible to go home? For some out-of-state students at Cleveland State University, this can sometimes be the case. Financial strain, family dynamics and travel logistics can complicate a somewhat simple journey that others take for granted. These are things that most students who live nearby never have to think about.


Faith-Ann English, arts and culture editor of The Vindicator, is one such student. 


“I personally don't go home over the holidays because it's not always affordable,” English said. “My tuition is a bit more expensive than in-state students, so the amount I pay each semester makes it harder to afford going back home.”


Financial limitations are a big challenge. For English, going out-of-state for school caused a rift at home. 


“I feel like my family didn’t like that I chose to go out-of-state, so I don’t always have a place to stay without paying for a hotel or Airbnb,” English said.


Sarah Demkee, another out-of-state student, echoed similar obstacles. 


“Barriers are gas, time to get there before having to come back because the break is too short, not having a car and having to fly,” Demkee said. “Sometimes, you can’t go home and have to pay for housing for the extra days staying on campus.” 


For students like Demkee and English, breaks that should be filled with joy can instead become logistical puzzles, where finding temporary housing or celebrations becomes essential.


Sometimes, however, there is a silver lining.


English shared that she typically spends most of her winter break with her boyfriend's family. Demkee usually spends this time catching up with friends. Others I have talked to do similar things to try and make the best of not going home, with some even liking it more.


It’s important to remember the holidays aren’t always marked by where you go, but by the choices you make to find a place that feels like home, even if just for a little while.


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