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Ways to Use Your Winter Break Wisely

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Penn chapter.

Winter break is fast approaching — the time we’ve been anticipating ever since we looked up and realized that Thanksgiving was right around the corner. That magical post-exams time of holiday cheer and sleeping in. Trying to decide what you want to do? Well it’s entirely up to you, but here are a couple of ground rules for your consideration.  

Rest

Your number one job over winter break is to relax. College is stressful, and juggling classes, clubs, work and relationships takes its toll. Whether you are going home for break, staying on campus, or visiting a friend, make sure you get some quality R&R. Take a couple of days to just veg in front of the tv, or read as many books as you could stuff into your carry on bag. Giving your brain a chance to shut off and recharge should be taken seriously.

Get some work done

I realize I just emphasized the importance of resting, but everything in moderation. Summer will be here before you know it, and you want to start thinking about how you need to spend it before all the internship deadlines pass you by. No need to stress about it, just try and squeeze in something within the realm of productivity in this regard. Winter break is a great time to start looking for summer programs and drafting application essays. If you don’t do it now, you’ll have to find time during the upcoming semester. Do your future self a favor and get this out of the way. If you are a graduating senior, it’s never too early to begin the job search.

Have fun

No one wants to think too much about work over break, so we’ll end with something light. If you do end up being productive, cancel it out immediately by doing something you enjoy. Go to brunch, see a movie, catch up with friends you haven’t seen in awhile. Winter break is your chance to do anything that you didn’t have time to do during school! If fun to you is finding a bookstore and browsing for new titles with a latte in hand, go for it. If it’s signing up for a local acting class, don’t let anything stop you. Manage your time as you please, and cherish it. It will certainly fly by.

Images courtesy of: ThoughtCatalog; Giphy; TravelFreak.