You’ve almost made it through the last semester of the year and have successfully gotten through lots of exams and late-night study sessions. But maybe you’re not quite there yet, and you still have a few deadlines in front of you.
If you’re stressing right now and can’t wait for winter break to come, now might be the best time to take a little study break and start planning fun things to do during winter break.
Once you know how you’ll pause and recharge, you’ll have something to look forward to. This can help you stay motivated to finish the semester with energy and effort. Relaxing times are coming!
We know that not everybody has the same idea of a relaxing and fun break. This is why we’ve gathered a variety of fun things to do during winter break. We’ve got something for students who prefer to chill at home, as well as ideas for the ones who like to try something new and be active.
Here are nine fun things to do during winter break so you can start planning
Relax and Recharge
Let’s be honest; after finals, your brain deserves a break. With cold weather, maybe even snow outside, this is the perfect time to catch up on much-needed rest and enjoy some lazy days in bed. You can binge-watch your favorite shows or maybe get back into a hobby you’ve been too busy with over the last month.
If you’re up for it, you can also try practicing mindfulness or start meditating (here are the best books on meditation for you), which can help you clear your head and de-stress. It’s okay to take a few days to do absolutely nothing. Don’t feel guilty about it — you’ve earned it.
Catch Up on Reading
If you’re tired of textbooks, we get it. But that doesn’t mean reading can’t be fun at all. There are so many different genres.
Science fiction or fantasy can help you escape into a completely different world, and self-improvement can help you get better at something.
If you’re into nonfiction, you can pick up a biography or a book on a topic that interests you. On BookScouter, you can find books that appeal to every taste: Christmas books, dark fantasy books, manga, horror & spooky books, dark romance books, enemies to lovers books, best book series of all time, time travel books, and many others.
Try Fun Winter Activities
There are a lot of fun things to do during winter break that are set outdoors. Yes, the temperatures might be low, and yes, there’s a chance you might get wet or cold. But those are no excuses for missing out on the beauty of the season.
If you live in a snowy area, try hitting the slopes for skiing or snowboarding. If that’s different from your vibe, ice skating or taking winter nature walks can be a good option that still gives you a refreshing outdoor experience.
Even if you bundle up and walk around the city with a hot drink, you’ll get into the season’s spirit.
Learn a New Skill
Why not use the extra free time to learn something new? Try out some recipes and pick up some cooking skills, or you could start getting into photography or learning a new language.
Think about what you would be interested in and what might help you in your future career. Adding a new talent to your college student’s resume could significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job one day.
Volunteer During Winter Break
Giving back to your community is a great way to make a positive impact during your break. You can volunteer at a local shelter or food bank, donate old books to charity, and sometimes you can even find virtual volunteer opportunities.
No matter what it is, it can be gratifying. Not only do you get to help others, but it’s also a great way to meet new people and learn more about causes that matter to you. It’s one of the things to do during winter break that helps you share some love during the holiday season.
Travel or Plan a Road Trip
If you’ve got the time, and maybe you’ve saved up a little bit of money, you can use winter break for traveling.
It doesn’t have to break the bank. You could plan a road trip with your friends or explore a nearby city you’ve never paid much attention to. Even if it’s just a day trip, getting out of your usual surroundings can be refreshing and exciting.
Look for Internships or Job Opportunities
This might not be something you think of as a fun thing to do during winter break, but it can be a very productive way to use your free time. Take a few days to search for how to get an internship, internship platforms, side hustles, or even online jobs.
You can use websites like LinkedIn or Indeed to filter opportunities that match your skills and experience level. If you start applying early, you might get a head start before everyone else starts looking for these opportunities in the new year.
Visit Family and Friends
You probably already have plans to visit family or reconnect with friends. Spending quality time with your loved ones can be really fulfilling – even if it’s just catching up over coffee or having a movie night together.
Prepare for the Upcoming Semester
As much as winter break is about relaxing, it’s also smart to use some time to get ahead for the next semester. You can plan your study schedules, buy textbooks early, search for free textbook opportunities, and even start prepping for your classes. It might not sound exciting, but trust me — future you will thank you for the head start!
Make the Most of Your Winter Break
Winter break doesn’t have to be all about binge-watching shows and sleeping in (though there’s definitely a place for that!).
It’s your chance to find the perfect balance between relaxing, having fun, and being productive. This time off is what you make of it, so try as many fun things to do during winter break as you can, from embracing cherished Christmas traditions like decorating the tree or baking cookies, to simply enjoying time with your loved ones. Be sure to recharge your energy along the way!
And if you’re currently still studying, take this as a sign to give it 100% for your last exams. Winter break is coming, and you’ll soon be able to recharge!
