Tag Archives | end of semester

Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

You have made it through the fall semester, well done! Finals are practically over, and you’re thinking of home – more importantly, rest and relaxation. Many colleges and universities across the country are preparing for a long winter break, some even spanning all the way til the end of January. Yes, it’s a much-needed break, but how can you spend all this free time?

If you are like us, always needing to be doing something fun, we’ve got some ideas for you! Take a look at these college winter break survival hacks that will prepare you for the long winter break.

Find a short-term job

We know this can be tricky because employers don’t want to hire somebody for such a short period. So, what can you do? If you have a summer job that you return to each year, call your boss early and ask if they need more help during the winter. Getting a job will be much easier if you have an existing relationship. The fact that you are familiar with the work will bode well for you.

Other great options are babysitting, house sitting, dog walking, or even snow shoveling. These jobs are not glamorous, but that only means people will pay you to do them! Also, check out sites like Upwork and Freelancer. If you don’t like the idea of a job, think about all the money you’ll have when you’re back at college!

Apply for scholarships and internships

This is a great time to sit down and get some applications done. Don’t waste your entire winter break applying for scholarships and internships, just use your time wisely. Devoting a few hours a week will be plenty of time – think of them as the hours you would usually be spending studying or hanging out with friends at college. Planning and organizing can make a world of difference. Organizing Your Scholarship Search has lots of great tips to get you started in your search for a great scholarship.

The same goes for your internship applications. Stay focused on your internship search throughout the year and try to get in early. Get online and read about what companies are looking for. Always try to stand out in your interview. If you want, try to organize a job shadow to learn about career prospects and do a little networking.

Take a trip

If you have some expendable cash, use your time away from college for a little holiday. This winter break is the perfect time to hit the slopes! There are so many great ski resorts scattered around the country. No matter where you live, there is somewhere close by. Don’t know where you should go? Head to Snowpak for all the best ski resort information. You could also try to find work at a ski resort so you can make some money and brush up on your skiing at the same time.

Do you have family in another state? Maybe you can stay with a friend? Visiting people will help you save cash on your vacation.

Take an online class

Why not get ahead with your studies? Most colleges and universities offer online classes throughout the entire year. This gives you the option to get a subject done from the comfort of your own home. Check if there’s a winter term class available. It will most likely cost extra money, but it’s great idea if you want to graduate a little early.

Volunteer locally

There are plenty of great things to do during a winter break, and one of them is helping others. You have many opportunities to get involved by volunteering during the break. Not only does it feel great to help others, but it can add a great point of difference to your resume. You may pick up a new skill, discover an interest, meet a new friend or even somebody that could give you a job in the future.

Remember, your winter break is what you make it. Don’t sit around the house and waste precious time. Get out there!

This article was contributed by guest author Savannah Wardle.

Image by Shawn on Flickr

Image by Shawn on Flickr

One of the best tips to help you finish your semester strong, and graduate with all your goals met, is to remind yourself why you’re in school in the first place. It’s easy to lose sight of the big picture and the stress of end of term papers and exams can take a toll. Nearing the end of a semester is crisis time for many. The following tips can help motivate you onward to a strong finish.

Stay Inspired
There’s a reason you chose to attend college. That reason is just as important today as it was yesterday. Your inspiration is the fuel that can drive you toward life success and beyond. Write your inspiration for attending school down and keep it where it can easily be seen. Out of sight often means out of mind and you don’t want your end goal to just be a piece of paper.

Ask for Help When You Need it
Never allow fear or pride to stand in the way of getting assistance if you need it. If you’re behind on a project or your studies, don’t hesitate to let your instructors know. Asking for help now is always better than asking for help later. Instructors are usually more willing to help if there’s a chance you can make up for lost time and better understand the concepts you’re learning.

Avoid Procrastination
One of the best ways to stay on track is to start and finish your assignments and projects on time. If you are working toward a math or engineering degree you can’t afford to get behind on assignments, and for degrees in the arts your big projects should be ongoing throughout the semester. Getting things done on schedule allows you to avoid stress. Being proactive is also a good habit to form – one that can benefit you in every area of life.

Stay Healthy
Exercising and eating healthy are always important for your wellbeing and education. While in school, it’s easy to get into the habit of eating junk food, staying up late, and overlooking the need to exercise. Unhealthy habits may appear to have no effect on you now, but it’s a given that they’ll catch up with you down the line.

Form a Dependable Research Group
Classmates, if they’re serious about their studies, can be a tremendous help in setting a standard for study. A study group provides an excellent opportunity to share ideas, quiz each other, and simplify complex topics. You can pace each other in a more collaborative environment.

Sleep
While not everyone needs eight hours of sleep, having a refreshed body and mind can go a long way toward putting forth your best efforts. Well rested, your mind and body will function much better in the classroom. Your attention span will be longer and sharper.

How you finish your semester is how you’re likely to begin the next one. Finish strong, and celebrate. Then prepare to get back to business.

Information Credit from Ohio University.

This article was contributed by guest author Brooke Chaplan.