5 Smart Moves College Student Can Make Over Winter Break
The meaning of the proverb that "Time and tide wait for no man" can be interpreted differently by different people, but college students must be reminded of one thing when they come across that saying. The essence of time is in the doing, so every minute is important and precious. In other words, time wasted cannot be regained. In this regard, they must make the most of their winter break.
College students deserve a rest after the hectic weeks prior to Christmas, but the smart ones would know that the winter break is a good opportunity to assess the first half of the term, and make sure that they apply the lessons they learn for the remaining months of the term. It doesn't mean that they must not take it slow, if not catch up on their sleep. They can indulge in loafing as long as they create a to-do list, take mental notes, and keep that list. They must look at it after the break, and it must not include withdrawing from the campus scene after encountering students whom they perceive to be snobs or hostile, if not obstinate. It must not highlight ways to attract another student as well. (Valentine's Day seems light years away.) It must focus on practical things, which they could put to practice during the break.
Your Most Productive Winter Ever: How to Get Ahead
It's time to clean up your room and let go of clutter. It would be understandable if you last cleaned your room last October. The cold should prompt you to move around, which is one way to avoid sluggishness. It will only take a few days to dust off your room, arrange your things, and let go of items that could take some space. You could sell those things to second-hand shops. You could post a list of books on your social media accounts, which other students might be interested (and purchase it). You better do it before spending your holidays with your family.
Recall your spending habits and then redo your budget. How much do you spend on fast food? How often do you visit Starbucks? How about going out with friends? The answers to these questions will be your wake-up call, as these are the reasons on why you often run out of money. You have no other choice but to adopt cost-cutting measures. You may not like the idea of skipping meals, if not living on pizza and chips. It might prompt you to seek help from your folks. You must promise to spend little during the months after the winter break. If you have made impulsive purchases, you should vow not to do it again. You can consider the next item if there are certain things that you can't live without.
Find internship opportunities, if not help the less fortunate. You might be too late for becoming an intern during the winter break. And it would be better that way. (You don't want to miss quality time with your family.) You can use the break to look for internship opportunities during the summer instead. Don't ever entertain the thought of working during the spring season, even if it's on a part-time basis. (Spring is the busiest time of the term.) You can also set aside a day or two for volunteering, as there are less-fortunate people who would struggle during the colder months. It won't take an hour to find a non-profit organization that would extend a helping hand to these folks. Your community has planned an activity (that would lift their spirits), so don’t hesitate to get in touch with the one in charge of it. You have earned money from selling some stuff, but it may not be enough. Don’t be afraid to tell your parents about it.
Prepare for the spring semester. You have all the time, and Netflix would come to mind. It would be best to look at your syllabus and check out what books to read. Getting a jump on reading would save you lots of time during the spring semester. (The snowball of essay papers and examinations could overwhelm anyone.) It doesn't mean that you can't spend a day on building a snowman in your backyard, if not making snowballs and throw it at your sibling(s) (or old buddies). You should know how to manage your time.
Learn how to cook. The time you spend on the kitchen won't be time wasted, which you should know after you recall your mother's favorite dishes (and how you miss it). You can volunteer for a lunch, if not dinner, or two. And don't take it hard if your parents and/or sibling(s) can't hold their tongue after tasting your cooking. You can insist on another lunch (or dinner).
Set Goals for 2020
If you have forgotten it, the New Year means making a set of resolutions and sticking to it no matter what. There’s nothing wrong about a chubby figure, as long as you walk often. You can also add a heart-pumping activity or two if you’re really serious about getting fit. On the other hand, studying must be your topmost priority. There’s no need to include the coursework in your list, which makes you think about the summer. You deserve a holiday, but you might consider a weekend getaway, if not a week in a big city far from where you live. Practice your persuasive skills before telling your parents about it.
