Blog Post

An Out-of-state students guide to driving back home

By Fajr Abdul Azeez
Today I am driving back home to Virginia for a dentist appointment I have tomorrow.
I’ve packed my overnight bag and after my last class, I’m hitting the road.
Driving for five hours can be rough for me sometimes, especially after a full day of
classes. It is easy to stop focusing on the road and even dose off and start swerving. I’ve taken
the ride with my parents many times, but when I first drove by myself I had a hard time keeping
motivated and entertained through the trip.
After almost two years of taking the five-hour trip multiple times, I have come up with a
few tips into making a long trip home bearable and even a little fun.
My first tip is to create a playlist before getting in the car. This playlist should be a mix of
songs that can hype you up and make you feel good. Also, choose songs that you know well so
you can sing along can be engaged. I think it’s important to make a playlist because it makes it
less likely to check your phone while you’re driving.
I also like to listen to audiobooks on my Audible account as well. The only reason I pay
for audible to for my long trips to and from Virginia.
Another tip I have is to have a halfway point location that you look forward to stopping
at. My favorite halfway point is a Sheetz gas station in Charlottesville, Virginia. At this point,
my gas tank is three- fourths of the way gone and I am hungry and need to use the bathroom.
While I fill up my tank I go into the Sheetz use the bathroom and get some snacks. Having a
place to look forward to halfway through your trip divides the trip in half and can make the drive
as a whole more bearable. It is good to stand up and interact with the cashier after sitting in
silence for so long.
My last tip was given to me by my friend. She recommends calling someone on the
phone while driving. Being on the phone with a friend or family member can help you keep the
focus on the road and also keep you entertained as well. Also, it can be nice to talk to someone
instead of sitting in silence. It feels like the person is in the car with you along for the ride.
Using these tips I’ve learned during my time driving has made my traveling a lot easier
on me. I enjoy going home, even if it is for something a liitle as a dental cleaning.