Winter break is finally here — that cherished time of sleeping in, catching up with family and friends, free food and, most importantly, no schoolwork to worry about. For some, this might seem like a restless time after working so much over the term, as feelings of “What should I do?” might set in. For others, it may be the opposite — couch, sweatpants and an entire season of (insert your favorite TV show here) is all that is wanted for the whole of winter break.
Here are some tips for both types of vacationers, meant to keep winter break both productive and also fun and relaxing.
Work on your internship applications
But you just got done with school! You’re tired of work! With deadlines for many summer internships coming up quickly, however, now is not the time to put applications off. Update your resume if you haven’t lately and work on writing cover letters for each of the organizations for which you’d like to apply. Remember to have someone — a friend or family member — look over what you write to pick out any errors. For more extensive tips on how to fashion a stellar resume or cover letter, visit the University Career Center’s website.
Start your study abroad and scholarship applications
Both of these often require two to three short essays, transcripts and one or two recommendations on top of filling out the application itself. The deadlines may vary, but it never hurts to get in contact with the people whom you’d like to write your recommendations — and at least begin outlining possible essay topics for these applications. This is not only polite (for the people writing your recommendations) but also allows less stress during those final days before the applications are due.
Go holiday shopping early
Stores are only going to get busier as the season goes on and saving everything for the last minute is stressful and doesn’t guarantee you will be able to find everything you’re hoping to get. Make a list if you haven’t already and use some of your newfound @@mw@@free time to check one or two items off of it a day — or go for a big trip all at once.
Take a spontaneous day trip with your friends or family
Haven’t been to the zoo lately? Live near a big city with lots of fun Christmas festivities? Whatever it may be, taking a day to gather some friends or family (or both) and travel, even a short distance, to someplace new can be a great way to have fun, learn about a new place and spend time with those that you love.
Take a hike/exercise
Winter break is a great chance to consume a lot of different and delicious types of foods the fact most of it will be free doesn’t hurt either. While this is true, it’s probably not a good idea to just drop your exercise routine completely, so keep up with your usual workouts or start some new routines (like taking a hike with some friends or visiting the mountain for some skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing).
Go to a local concert/play/movie
With almost a month off from school, there are bound to be a number of concerts, plays and movies to find in your hometown. Check out your local listings because you never know: You could find your next favorite band or be inspired to write your own play for your city’s theater troupe.
Be creative
Grab some paper, rubber stamps, gold-embossing powder and a heat gun to make some simple but pretty Christmas cards or start work on that canvas that you’ve been wanting to splatter paint on for months — whatever it is that sounds like fun and allows you to showcase some of your talents or practice new skills that you’ve been interested in learning.
Build a fort/start a snowball fight/go ice skating
Channel your inner kid and do something you never have time to do during school but longingly think about when you get homesick or stressed out.