With the conclusion of the Fall 2024 semester, many are exhausted from all of the hard work throughout the semester. Many have probably been counting down the days till the end of the semester since the first day of classes, and the time has finally arrived. This semester flew by, but winter break will go by just as quickly. With this much needed break coming soon, it is important to take advantage of the time off to be ready for the spring semester.

One of my first tips for winter break is to catch up on sleep. Coming off of finals week, I’m sure there were plenty of all-nighters being pulled whether it be

for studying, finishing an assignment or even catching up on past assignments. Sleep can sometimes be non-existent towards the end of the semester, so when at home, it is important to get proper sleep to make sure your body recovers from the toll of the semester.

Another thing to prioritize over winter break is to do something that makes you happy that you might not have had time to do during the semester. Time slips away during the semester, but winter is a time for all kinds of fun activities to do with friends and family. Ice skating, movie marathons, and even reading can all be activities to do over winter break that you might not have time for at school.

Whatever it is you do, make sure to have fun and really be in the moment. Spending time with friends and family is also important to do while you are at home. Since you are away at school, you often don’t get to catch up with your loved ones as much as you might like to. People are busy and it can be hard to find time to call people, but winter break is your chance to catch up with everyone. Tell them about how your semester went, the people you met at school or even your classes for the spring semester that you might be excited about.

Although some may find it hard to leave your friends here at school for winter break, you can make memories at home that you will be able to tell your friends when you return to school. Spending some time apart from school can be a good reset because school can be tough. Everyone deserves a break and winter break is our time to recover.