Whenever I explain DU’s quarter system and the extended winter break we have, one question is always asked: “How are you going to spend it?” Unlike the shorter breaks of most colleges, DU’s offers students ample time to accomplish many things that we would otherwise not have time for.
So whether you’re planning to stay in Denver or are heading home for break, be sure to fill your time with things you enjoy—rewarding yourself for working hard this quarter so you can come back refreshed and ready to start again in January.
Look for Internships
With the deadline for many summer internships fast-approaching, winter break is a perfect time to find an internship that is a good fit for you. Use the extra time to organize and prepare your resume so you can give yourself the best possible chance of landing something that will benefit you both in the short and long run.
Eat Healthier/Start a Workout Plan
Many people make the New Year’s Resolution of eating better and living a healthier lifestyle, and if you are interested in starting better habits in the year to come, get a head start over winter break. You will most likely have a more-flexible schedule once break begins, so take advantage of it and begin a regular routine of going to the gym. Also, more free time means more time to cook, giving you the opportunity to make healthy meals for yourself regularly.
Read a Book (Or Books)
Love to read, but haven’t had time during this quarter? Don’t love to read, but want to? Whatever your reason, consider picking up a book (or tablet) and reading during break. Whether it’s a bestseller everyone is talking about, some classics or an old favorite that you will never get tired of reading again, pulling out a book is a sure way to unwind and learn while you’re at it. Plus, nothing says winter like curling up by the fire with a blanket and a good book.
Ski and snowboard
Last but not least is perhaps one of the most obvious ways to spend break, especially if you are from or staying in Colorado at all: skiing. Get up to the mountains whenever you can, especially because it will be much easier now that you won’t have to worry about class and homework. Not to mention that during the week, the slopes will be much less busy than on the weekends.
Winter break is a perfect opportunity to relax after fall quarter and recharge for school starting up again in January. However, don’t forget to stay productive. It is a long break and it can be easy to get in a rut and not accomplish as much as you would like. But, if you keep focused and take full advantage of the break, it will be much more rewarding than Netflix in bed, and you can come back to school feeling refreshed and accomplished instead of regretful about not making the most of your free time. Hopefully this list helps, or at least gives you some ideas about how to make the most out of winter break.
