With the absence of schoolwork and the distractions of being on campus, surrounded by activity 27/7, winter break is a time to relax and catch up on some of the things we haven’t been able to since the summer – like sleep, for example.
Winter break is a wonderful time to reunite with family and friends celebrating the holidays. But if you’re like me, winter break can become boring at times. Here are some productive things to do over break, besides binge-watching Netflix (although needed from time to time), before heading back to the madness that is UConn.
Search for a summer internship, or a job if you’re a senior. This is the perfect time to focus all of your efforts on the job search. Start researching where you’d want to work or intern and what type of options they have available. Reach out to companies that you’re interested in, even if they don’t have an application posted!
Here’s a tip – Last year, I made an Excel spreadsheet of all the companies I wanted to apply for with information about the program, the application deadline, and how to apply.
Get Organized. There’s nothing like a good cleaning and organizing of your room and closet to make you feel refreshed. Clear out some of the clutter – like the notebooks from high school and that dress your mom bought you years ago that you know you’ll never wear.
Try a new recipe or DIY from Pinterest. You know, one of those things you pinned saying you would try but haven’t… now is the time.
Make a LinkedIn profile (if you don’t have one). Networking is extremely important in the working world and LinkedIn is a fantastic tool to do so. Make sure to keep it professional.
Keep up-to-date on the news. It’s important to know what is going on in the world around us, it’s our lives and futures… stay informed!
Relieve some stress. Exercise, meditate, get a massage, or take a bubble bath. Whatever it is that relaxes you after a long semester.
Learn something new. Something you’re interested in – a skill, a hobby, start a blog, take a class, even if it’s just on YouTube. Something you’ve always wanted to do but felt you never had the time.
Read a book. Not one you have to read for a class, but for enjoyment and knowledge.
Prep for the upcoming semester. It’s never too early to get a head start. Check your email and HuskyCT for course materials from your professors. Read the syllabus, if given in advance, and get your materials organized for each class. That way you won’t be overwhelmed when the first week of classes rolls around.
Start by deciding what you’d like to accomplish this winter break. At the beginning of each day, make a list (or at least a mental list) of what you’d like to accomplish toward your ultimate goals for a successful winter break.