As the fall semester is coming to an end and winter break is right around the corner, you’re probably excited and ready for a month of no school. But if you’re like me, you’re probably also wondering what you’re going to do for that month away from college. Once the trips to the dining hall, the house parties, the library routines, and living with your friends comes to a pause for a month, it’s hard to come up with a plan to keep you busy. But, after having some down time over the years during winter breaks, I have come up with a list that will surely not only keep you busy, but also entertained during your time at home.
1. Read a book! For those of you who may not view reading as a fun activity or hobby, there are some fun books out there that could change your mind. I recommend all John Green books, especially Looking For Alaska and Paper Towns; rumor has it that both books will be turning into movies in the near future. And, of course, I also recommend The Fault In Our Stars, which was in theaters over the summer. All three books are relatable for students our age and John Green is a fantastic author whose stories are well-written and easy to follow. These will surely help pass the time in an entertaining and relaxing way.
2. Create a blog. Ever want to get your thoughts out but prefer not to speak them? With blogging, you can write about whatever you want, and it can be anonymous if you choose to. Tumblr and Medium are great sites to start on. I personally am a blogger on WordPress which is a user-friendly blogging site. You can design your own theme for your page and use hashtags to gain followers and views. Not only is this fun, but it’s a great way to get your name out there. Whether you’re an English, Communication, Marketing, or even Business major, blogging can really help to get your name out there professionally as well, if you choose to blog about current issues and events going on in the world.
3. Make a scrapbook. Last semester I studied abroad in London, and one of the first things I did when I got back home was make a scrapbook filled with pictures from Europe as well as brocures, theater tickets, and any other items I’ve collected during my time abroad. If you have recently traveled somewhere, or just want to start a scrapbook of your experience so far at school, this can be a great way to pass the time and be creative while doing so. Who doesn’t love a trip to AC Moore or a crafts store? You get to relive your childhood and play with stickers, glue, and colorful paper. Sure, your pictures are on Facebook or Instagram, but a scrapbook will last forever and you can decorate it any way you want. Turn it into a 2-week long project, and you’re nearly halfway through winter break!
4. Organize your closet. I know the word “organize” may not come off as fun, but cleaning your closet and organizing your clothes can feel so rewarding! Whenever I’m home for break, I go through my clothes that I’ve had for over a couple of years. I find that more often than not, my style changes throughout the years and I find a good amount of clothes I no longer wish to wear. Instead of throwing them in the trash or leaving them to take up space in my closet, I put them in a bag and donate them to those who could use them. You’d be surprised how nice it feels to not only have an organized closet and selection of clothes, but to give and provide to those who could use more clothing. Depending on how many clothes you have or how big your closet is, this definitely could take up some time during your winter break.
5. Take classes at a nearby gym. Over the summer, I was bored out of mind! I didn’t know what to do, besides my job, to pass the time and entertain myself. But then I joined a gym and not only did I work out on my free time, but I also participated in their Zumba and Body Pump classes. The Body Pump class consisted of weight lifting for all levels with awesome instructors and music. Majority of gyms provide these fun classes. Not only will it pass the time, but it’s a great way to exercise and stay motivated to go to the gym; not to mention they’re extremely fun!
If you pursue at least 3 out of the 5 ideas mentioned above, you are bound to have a busy yet entertaining winter break. Most of these are relaxing ways to enjoy the chilly winter, and have the time to do some things you wouldn’t normally have time to do at school. So enjoy, and always be open to try something new!