How To Successfully Survive Parent's Weekend

By Victoria Troxler

If the world has been spinning too quickly around you, then you likely haven't noticed that classes are almost a month in. Among the headaches you should be worrying about – drop deadlines and midterms –is parents weekend. Though this weekend can bring a bounty of free meals, simply having nothing to do with your rents can get real awkward, real quick. Follow these suggestions and you’ll be in for an enjoyable weekend.

Have a plan

Your parents don't want to sit around in the Sheraton, and neither do you. Make sure you have activities like dinners planned in advance. There is nothing more miserable than coming to Syracuse to do jack shit. If your parents are chill enough, take them out and show them a good time. For obvious reasons don’t get too sloppy. You're the host; let them be the children.

Parent proof your pad

Your parents will undoubtedly see where you live, as they should. Be sure you put away or hide things you wouldn’t want your parents to see. For example: get rid of your drug paraphernalia, empty Svedka handles, the guy “you know” from last night, and any other awkward items lying around your apartment. No matter how cool your parents may be, the awkward conversation about the huge bong on your coffee table should be avoided at all costs.

Also, don’t forget to warn your roommates. Remind them to be mildly coherent for at least an hour while you entertain your parents and give them the grand tour of your humble abode.

Show them the love

If this isn’t obvious enough tell them that you appreciate the visit. Along with that appreciation sneak in an “I love you” every once in a while. If this seems like an unnecessary part of the weekend, think about all the benefits a little extra love can yield: free dinners, money, an all expense paid trip to Target.

Talk about school

Make sure to talk up all recent academic achievements and discuss your "excitement" about future assignments. Hearing that you are excelling (even if you're exaggerating) and enjoying academia will have your parents glowing with pride. After all, you don’t want mommy and daddy to worry that your brain is turning to fizz due to binge drinking and party hopping. A comment here or there about class is sure the do the trick.