Ways to stay on your game over the month-long break
The last thing anyone wants to be thinking about right now is the Spring semester, which starts in just over a month. Who wants to be thinking about the overloaded semester they decided to take back when they were young and naïve as Christmas tantalizingly stares them in the eyes?
Hardened veterans of the higher education system, though, often commit themselves to at least not fall behind in their studies over the Christmas break. Ask any senior, and they would be sure to give you some pointers on how to most productively and restfully spend the break. Here are a few fun and useful bits of guidance to consider for your break!
First, if you’re still taking your language classes — or if you want to progress to a higher proficiency — consider finding a buddy at or above your language level to practice speaking. Periodic phone calls relating your daily activities in German or French to each other are sure to help you improve your language.
If you do not think you’re proficient enough to hold dialogue in your chosen language, or if you are studying a dead language like Latin or ancient Greek, consider trying to improve your vocabulary with flashcards or online software. Anki Flashcards is a great software which improves your vocabulary skills slowly over time.
Second, although it is great to continue your studies during a break, it is even better to improve in a way that is the most fun to you. For that reason, consider picking up a big book that you have been putting off reading until you “have time.” Now is the time, but don’t bite off more than you can chew before coming back for the start of next semester — unless you know you will finish. Who likes to leave a book unfinished?
Or, if you are an English major, and have been reading too much (which sounds like you should probably rethink your degree), pick up a craft or hobby. Try learning woodworking or cooking — or other activities which might be difficult to begin out of a small dorm on a college student’s budget.
Third, an issue that many college-age people have is the time-sink aptly named “doomscrolling.” If you think your online time at college is bad, wait to go home to see how bad it can get.
Not everyone has the same issue with being online, and some need to be online for their job, but unless you’re an aspiring dropshipper or professional Instagram addict, doomscrolling might not be for you.
If you want to take this to the next level, and have friends that want to do the same, consider reaching out for an accountability partner. It might be awkward at first, but if you and a friend share your screentimes with each other, it is a great way of avoiding the pitfall of spending the break staring at pixels.
Fourth — and this piece of advice might toe the line between relaxing and productive — apply for internships! There has not been a better time to find and apply for internships since the start of the semester. What’s better is that the Office of Personal Career and Development stays open for a short while after we all head home, so you can bounce résumés off of them.
Finally, a great way to relax is to meet up with your friends from high school who have gone to different colleges. Gather around dinner or a firepit or a round of Secret Santa to tell each other about the crazy stories that could only happen at your college. Be sure to bring pictures of Roman Charity Week and Cotillion!