Things you should be doing over college break

College fall and winter breaks are a time for relaxation and rejuvenation... but also maybe a time for healthy productivity? College students are presented with an opportunity to engage in activities that can enhance their productivity without exerting excessive effort. This period offers a chance to strike a balance between relaxation and preparatory tasks that can set the tone for a successful upcoming semester. Rather than overwhelming themselves with strenuous activities, students can opt for low-effort yet impactful strategies to maximize the break effectively.

Here are eight practical and manageable activities college students can consider undertaking during the break:

1️⃣ Review and Organize: Take time to sort through course materials from the previous semester, as well as materials necessary for the upcoming semester. Organize notes, assignments, and study materials, which can reinforce learning and provide a head start for the upcoming subjects.

2️⃣ Set Semester Goals: Reflect on academic achievements and challenges from the past term, and use this reflection to set clear and achievable goals for the upcoming semester. This practice can help maintain focus and direction.

3️⃣ Update Professional Documents: Use the break to update your resumes. Adding newly acquired skills, completed projects, or recent experiences keeps these documents up-to-date for future opportunities.

4️⃣ Explore Internships or Jobs: Research potential internships or part-time jobs for the upcoming semester or summer break. Begin preparing application materials or reach out for informational interviews to explore possibilities.

5️⃣ Read Beyond Academics: Take time to read for pleasure! Dive into books or articles unrelated to coursework, allowing for relaxation while broadening perspectives and knowledge.

6️⃣ Learn a New Skill or Hobby: Dedicate some time to learning a new skill or hobby, be it a language, coding, painting, cooking, or playing an instrument. Embracing new interests can be both enjoyable and rewarding.

7️⃣ Reflect and Plan: Reflect on the past semester's successes and shortcomings. Identify areas for improvement in study techniques, time management, or personal growth. Create strategies for enhancing these aspects in the upcoming term.

8️⃣ Engage in Self-Care: While it may be difficult to find time to invest in yourself during the semester, breaks are the perfect time to reset. Spend quality time with friends and family, engage in activities that bring joy, and focus on mental and physical well-being. 

By incorporating these manageable activities into a long college break, students can both relax and prepare for the coming semester, making it more manageable once the time comes around! For more tips and tricks, be sure to follow @homefromcollege on Instagram and TikTok!