It’s going to depend on your schedule/ workload. I left home for undergrad and only returned if I had nowhere to go when the dorms were shut for vacations (US uni), but once I lived off campus I’d maybe go once a year for a couple of weeks, during one of the longer breaks if I didn’t have work or a project due.

In grad school I had no extra time for anything. They came to me for graduation. And then as I never moved back home, it really did become once a year or every two years depending on everyone’s schedule.

I’m currently in Italy, just got here a few months back, but due to visa reasons I was actually at my mom’s for 3 months…the longest stay in 30 years (since I left for uni…) knowing it might be a few years again until I saw them…if they’re around (mom just turned 88).

Depending on what part of the US, it’s a fair bit away so no 3 day jaunts. You’re going to want to focus on the much longer breaks. Good luck!