Tips For Your First Call Home

By Steph Yu

Aug. 2, 2013

So you’ve finally flown the coop and driven ten minutes/flown across the country/flown across the world to receive a top-notch education at the University of Chicago.

Remember that you have concerned parents/siblings/grandparents/extended family worrying for you at home. You’ve enjoyed the thrills of analyzing Marx in your house lounge, but have you called home yet? In case you are having first-call-home jitters, we at the Shady Dealer are more than happy to advise:

· If you have a roommate: Tell them everything about your roommate, from their sleep schedule to strange bathroom habits, to fashion choices, to Social Security number.

· If you don’t have a roommate: highlight to your parents how alone and anti-social you are.

· Analyze the courses you have picked for your first quarter here. If possible, discuss your classes loudly in your house lounge when housemates are present, to show how sociable you are.

· Be sure to include any inside jokes you have to assure family that you have integrated well. No need to explain. They will understand.

· If you have gone to a college party, be sure to mention it! Also mention how you woke up outside the Reg and had no idea how you got there.

· In fact, talk a lot about the Reg.

Finally, assure your family you will be fine. You will be fine. Call back around midterms.