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It’s been a looooong time since my college days. Longer than I care to admit! Last weekend, we spent time with my husband’s niece who enrolled as a freshman at the college we attended so many years ago. As we watched the fresh-faced teens swarm the campus, it brought back many memories. Here are some of the nice things people did for me when I was in college. I hope we get to do some of these for our new young friends!
Help with furniture assembly
Maybe I was hopelessly sheltered or something, but I had never assembled any type of furniture when I entered college. My friends had to help me put together bookshelves and my loft. Eventually I became a little more self-sufficient in this regard. All-in-one tools were convenient and easy to store.
Send mail
It was a lonely walk from the post office to the dorm when there was nothing in my P.O. Box. Just a small card with a pick-me-up Bible verse really helped brighten my spirits. I didn’t get many care packages from family, but I would have loved to! These days, Amazon Pantry makes it so simple to send a package filled with snacks, toiletries, and treats.
Go out to eat
I was blessed to have the meal plan in college, so all my meals were provided. Still, it was a special treat to go to a restaurant. I remember splitting meals with friends, and going to half-prize appetizer hours so we could save some pennies. Going to a buffet like Ryan’s would have been like heaven!
Ovation Brands’ portfolio of restaurants – Old Country Buffet, Ryan’s, and Hometown Buffet – and Furr’s Fresh Buffet are rolling out a new “Back to School” Family Night series geared towards making the transition of heading back to school fun and easy for kids of all ages.
Every Thursday through October 3, participating restaurants will be focusing on families, food and fun through educational and engaging activities. The program will offer tips on how to navigate the school year, from first day (or even first week) jitters, to staying organized, to eating healthy meals in order to keep minds sharp and bodies fit. The seven-week program is focused on making school a positive experience, while offering helpful suggestions for staying on the right track for success. Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., kids may participate in different interactive and educational activities in Ovation Brands’ restaurants and Furr’s Fresh Buffet locations. PLUS, kids eat for $1.99 from 4 p.m. to close with the purchase of a regular-priced adult or senior meal.
Check out the weekly themes:
- August 22 – Welcome Back to School!
- August 29 – Making Friends
- September 5 – Getting Organized is as Easy as 1, 2, 3
- September 12 – Healthy Choices
- September 19 – Extra Credit
- September 26 – Let’s Get Resourceful
- October 3 – After School Fun
Thanks to Ovation Brands, one lucky reader will win four (4) free meal passes each to enjoy a meal at any of Ovation Brands’ locations. Be kind and feed a college kid! The giveaway is open to US readers ages 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Enter on the form below. Good luck!
I’d like to win because it would be a fun night out for my kids.
I love hometown buffet and their fried chicken, so I would love to win
Really thoughtful post, cool share, hope everyone had a great summer.
I love taking the kids and going to eat at the Country Buffet.
I think sending of letters is very important and ultra personal.
My boys would appreciate somebody doing any of these.
I want to win because it would be a nice treat for the family.
I would like to win this prize because our family likes to go out to eat!
as a gift for my cousin!
I love to send care packages to my favorite college students!
This is looking good nice prize
My family and I have never tried these restaurants so I’d like to win and give them a try.
I so want to win this prize pack because I LOVE these restaurants they have the best fried chicken and also the best salad bar.
I would have loved being taken to a restaurant when I was in college. That should be a winning idea with many. Thanks for sharing!
We would love to try this place to eat it sounds great. My kids love picking out what they like best so many items to pick from.
Thanks for the informative article. I could really use one of those all in one tools for myself.
That racheting screwdriver is something I’d like to have.
When we packed up our daughter for college, 27 years ago, we packed an all-purpose tool with her things. We were told that they are adults and had to start doing things for themselves. So you’re right on with your above article! Thank you for sharing!!
I get misty eyed lately just thinking about all of the memories I shared with my family and friends! When I wrote the comment above, it hit me that it was 27 years ago that we took our daughter to college and now she has a family of her own! And her son is now in college! I don’t know what they gave him to take with to make his life easier. ?
These are all nice ideas. Care packages are always appreciated.
I think giving one of these tools is a very thoughtful idea.