One undeniable advantage of the DU quarter system is the extensive amount of time allotted for winter break. Since fall quarter ends the week before Thanksgiving and winter quarter doesn’t begin until the first week of January, students are given nearly six weeks of break, and it is up to them to decide how to use this time. Despite the fact that it is a ‘break’ from school, students should ensure that they are taking advantage of this gap, capitalizing on finding internships, working jobs or taking interterm classes.
In perspective, six weeks is more than half a quarter, which is a great deal of space for productivity. The quarter system is intense, so students deserve some down time; visiting family, taking vacations, hitting the ski slopes and having movie days is highly encouraged. However, six weeks is too long a period of time to fill solely with leisure activities, and seeing as the spring is brimming with university requirements, students would benefit greatly from taking advantage of winter break to be productive.
For anyone looking at finding a spring or summer internship, break is the perfect time to start looking and applying. Companies will have the application deadlines available, but there’s still time to revise your resume without any last-minute stress. On a similar note, working a job over break is beneficial for those looking to save money. A consistent and full-time job, which may not be reasonable for some students while taking a full course load, is absolutely manageable during break, allowing students to save money for commitments and activities during the upcoming quarters.
Break allows students time to get a head-start on university activities and requirements as well. Interterm classes are a great way to catch up or get ahead on credits so other quarters have more flexibility. For seniors taking on a thesis, break can be highly productive in beginning thesis work without having to worry about balancing the commitment of work for other classes. Plus, for students who are planning on studying abroad, break is the perfect opportunity to work on the application and ensure they are meeting requirements for the deadlines that occur in late January. Using time during break is highly beneficial to students through ensuring that winter quarter doesn’t have to be quite as stressful.
While the term ‘break’ may indicate a period in which students can kick back and relax, it can also be seen as a time for being productive. The lengthy break given to students by the quarter system is an opportunity to achieve goals and plan for the future, which is sometimes difficult to do during the quarters themselves. Students should be aware of the long break they are being given and take advantage of it fully.
