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5 Tips For Making A Long Trip Back To College

From that photography class that you can’t wait to start to the anticipation of afternoon football games, college students have multiple reasons to be excited about their next semester. College remains one of the most exciting times in young people’s lives, and they can’t wait to get back to campus after a long summer away from the hustle and bustle of university life. 

However, if you’re heading to an out-of-state college this fall, one thing you’re probably not looking forward to is the long car ride back. These long car rides can prove tiring and potentially hazardous if you aren’t prepared. By utilizing these five essential tips, you can make the road trip back to school less stressful for you and any family members coming along for the ride.

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Catch Up On Your Sleep

The key to any successful road trip planning revolves around how much rest you got the night before your trip. For college students looking to make the long drive back to campus for their next semester, ensuring that they have the required energy means they need to get the necessary rest ahead of time. 

The night before you make your drive, remember to get yourself to bed early. Getting plenty of sleep the night before you drive will help you stay alert and awake when you’re on the road. Don’t worry — you’ll have plenty of time for all-nighters once the semester starts! A cup of coffee or two before the drive won’t hurt either if you are a caffeine drinker. 

Keep Your Windows Clear

Bringing enough clothes, supplies, food, and gear with you can seem like a daunting task. No matter how much you pack, you almost always forget something and need a care package delivered to your dorm. However, during that initial trip, overpacking can be just as dangerous as underpacking. Piling too much stuff into your car can obstruct your vision and make the drive unnecessarily difficult. 

Make sure your windows remain clear of obstructions. If you’re heading back to college, you might be bringing bins filled with clothing, dorm accessories, or school supplies with you. Ensure that your bags and boxes aren’t blocking your back window or any of your mirrors before you hit the road.

Chew Gum

Sometimes all you need to stay aware is to utilize a repetitive motion. Your options are limited while behind the wheel of your car, but you do have some. The most popular choice is to have a ready supply of gum on hand to help pass the time and keep you engaged. 

The repetitive motion of chewing gum increases circulation and improves your ability to focus on the road. The wide variety of gum brands and flavors means that you can find the best flavor for your next trip back to campus. Try choosing a mint flavor for a burst of freshness and alertness.

Map Your Route

Even if you’re a fantastic driver, mom and dad will probably be worried sick the whole time you’re on the road. Map out your route and give your parents an estimated time of arrival before you leave. Don’t forget to call when you get back to school to tell them you arrived safely!

Additionally, having a map or GPS app at the ready can help you potentially avoid any slowdowns or traffic jams on your drive. Having as much information as possible before your drive helps maximize your time on the road and make the trip as smooth as possible. 

Get Your Car Inspected Beforehand

The quality of the car you drive will significantly impact what kind of experience you will have on your next trip back to campus. Taking the time to ensure your vehicle is ready for the long trip and won’t break down halfway through remains an essential part of preparing for your journey back to campus. 

Only travel in cars that have passed a thorough inspection. Making a long journey in a vehicle that’s been involved in an accident can be a recipe for danger. Make sure you get collision repair in Levittown, PA, before going back to school if your vehicle has damage from a recent accident.

Have you been involved in an accident this summer? Schedule your collision repair appointment in Bensalem, PA, with Peruzzi Collision Center before you make the journey back to school. Give our team a call today to make your appointment. 

  • Low-quality glass.  If your vehicle manufacturer or  auto body repair shop in Levittown, PA used low-quality glass to create or repair your windshield, you’re more likely to see damage in the future. Peruzzi Collision Center uses only high-quality glass on our repairs for this reason.
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