How UAlbany Students Are Preparing for Thanksgiving Break

By Faaz Syed | November 24, 2025 

 Sun shining on the podium with fall foliage. 

Photo Credit: Faaz Syed | the ASP

The countdown to Thanksgiving has begun, and students at the University at Albany are already deep in crisis mode: flight searches, packed suitcases and last-minute group project panics. Some are mastering the art of online check-ins, while others are mapping out airports like travel agents. All this careful and strategic planning and mild panic is aimed at one clear goal—making the most of the short break with

out accidentally missing the turkey. 

For students traveling from out of state, timing is everything. Airports are crowded, flights are delayed and even a small schedule change can send a student into a spiral. 

“I woke up at 5 a.m. to grab the best seat on my flight,” said junior Maya Thompson, who is heading home to Missouri. “It’s basically a race against everyone else trying to escape campus at the same time.” 

Others are dealing with long flights, tight layovers or both. 

Sophomore Jamal Carter, who is flying to Texas, joked, “I packed so early I don’t even remember what I put in my suitcase. But if it means I make it home in time for my mom’s mac and cheese, then fine, I’ll deal with whatever I forgot.” 

For international students, especially those whose families live far away, the short break makes it nearly impossible to return home. 

Senior Abdullah Omar, a political science major from Egypt, said, “I’m staying on campus this Thanksgiving. It’s tough because the break is so short, and I really miss my family and our traditions back in Egypt. I’ll try to relax and maybe cook some dishes that remind me of home, but it’s definitely not the same as being with my family.” 

How much students can relax really depends on the timing of assignments. For some students, the break is about a balance of both schoolwork and Thanksgiving traditions with family. 

“I have a paper due the Monday after Thanksgiving, so I’ll do some work while I’m home,” said sophomore Hana Tanaka, who is Japanese-American. “My family moved here from Japan a few years ago, so Thanksgiving is still kind of new to us. We usually make a mix—turkey and pumpkin pie, as well as sushi and miso soup. It’s our own little version of the holiday. I love it, but how much I can actually enjoy depends on how much time I get off.” 

For many, Thanksgiving is one of the few chances to truly unplug. 

“Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year to just relax,” said senior Emily Johnson. “No classes, no labs — just good food and family. I love baking pies with my mom and catching up with my siblings.” 

“I barely see my family during the semester,” Junior Marcus Lee said. “Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, eat together and enjoy being home without thinking about school for a minute.” 

For students staying on campus, the holiday can still feel meaningful. Some plan small gatherings or potluck-style meals to bring a sense of home to Albany. 

“We’re doing a little Thanksgiving dinner in the dorm kitchen,” said Omar, referencing his stay on campus for the break. “It’s not the same as being home in Egypt, but celebrating with friends definitely helps.” 

Even with the travel challenges, short schedules and remaining assignments, UAlbany students are finding ways to make the break worthwhile. Some study in the mornings and enjoy family time in the afternoons. Others build extra time into their travel plans to avoid stress later. 

“Planning is key,” Thompson said. “Between flights, packing and professors still assigning things, it gets chaotic—but it’s always worth it to be home.” 

Whether they’re crossing the country, cooking with friends or navigating a holiday filled with both turkey and sushi, UAlbany students are juggling priorities the best they can. The break offers a chance to rest, reconnect and recharge before diving into the final stretch of the semester—and hopefully, to grab a second slice of pumpkin pie while they’re at it.