Winter Term Classes: Seniors say “Take them!”

Winter break is right around the corner.  What will you be doing?  Working, interning or just watching TV at home all break?  The University of Maryland offers winter session classes and some university seniors say it’s the way to go.
 
The university makes it very convenient for students to earn three credits within a short three-week period as opposed to a normal semester, which lasts four months.  This year’s winter term offers over 300 courses that begin Jan. 3 and end Jan. 23, according the Office of Extended Studies Website.    (http://www.fc.umd.edu/index.php?slab=winter-term)
 
Jeff Susskind, a senior finance major, said he’s taken a winter term class every break since his sophomore year.  He said he has signed up for another course this winter so he can have more free time once spring semester starts.
 
“I took a winter class because it allows me to focus on that one specific class, which lets me to take less credits during the school semesters,” Susskind said.

 
Kerry Thompson, a senior psychology and family science double major with a minor in leadership, said winter term classes have benefits that students may not realize.
 
“I took a winter class because I was trying to get ahead in my major,” Thompson said.  “I also heard that winter classes were sometimes a little easier so I tried it out my freshman winter break and loved it.  I did it again the following winter too.”
 
The winter course Thompson took was five days a week for four hours each day. However, the class went by fast and helped her get ahead, she said.
 
“A winter session class is definitely worth it especially if you don’t have anything to do during winter break,” Thompson said.  “You aren’t as distracted as you are during the semester.  You are constantly learning the information, which helps absorb the material even more and lets you get ahead in your work.”
 
Susskind said that if students are worried they won’t have enough time at home for the holidays, that’s not the case.  There’s a two-week break between the end of finals and the start of winter term.
 
“You 100 percent get a long enough break even with a winter term,” Susskind said.  “A winter class is definitely an awesome opportunity to get some credits out of the way if you feel overwhelmed during the semester.  Students should definitely consider it.”
 
To learn more about winter term visit the Office of Extended Studies’ website (http://www.fc.umd.edu/index.php?slab=winter-term) .  The last day to register is Jan. 3!