Winter Break Opportunities for College Students

Winter break can be a great time for college students to rejuvenate and plan for the future. Here are some tips for making the most of your time off.

You’ve been dreaming about winter break as you plow through end-of-semester assignments and finals to reach the rest and relaxation on the other side. But after day three of sleeping past noon and eating everything in the pantry, you might find yourself a little bored. The good news is that there are plenty of fun and productive things to do over winter break — opportunities to help you enjoy life and get ahead of the curve before it’s time to return to class.

12 Ways To Make the Most of Your Winter Break

To turn your time off into time well-spent, consider these winter break activities for college students: 

1. Update (or create) your budget. Now is a great time to get your money in order. Make sure you’re prepared for upcoming expenses and doing a good job of living within your means — and meeting your savings goals. 

Don’t have a budget in place? No problem. Now is an excellent time to create one, and it's easy to do using a mobile phone app, spreadsheet, or even a pen and paper. Having a budget can help you see where your money is going, plan for expenses, build an emergency fund, and save for the future. These budgeting tips may help.

2. Refresh your resume/CV. An internship, a job, a scholarship, a study abroad program — who knows what opportunities the new semester may bring? Be prepared for anything by updating your resume or CV while your recent scholastic achievements are still fresh in your mind. 

While you're at it, refresh your LinkedIn® profile or set one up. This is an excellent way to create an electronic version of your resume and showcase your accomplishments and experiences. 

3. Get a seasonal job. Winter break gives you the opportunity to earn some extra money to stash away for later. Retail stores and restaurants often hire extra help during holiday months, so be on the lookout for “Help Wanted” signs. 

You can also search online for part-time job opportunities in whatever career field that interests you. Don’t forget to brush up on interview skills — you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

4. Apply for scholarships. Without any homework or class deadlines to worry about, winter break can prove an ideal time to focus on applying for scholarships. With your resume/CV updated and ready to go, applying can be a breeze. Be sure to check out these tips for applying for scholarships.


5. Start planning next semester. Revisit your learning roadmap. What courses do you still need to be eligible to graduate? Are there core classes not completed yet? What about electives you hoped to take? Plan what you want your next semester to look like now so you’ll be ready to go once scheduling opens up. 


6. Consider taking an online course. Learning may be the last thing on your mind right now, but a class over winter break can help you earn a few credits without the pressure of a full class load. A few course credits might not feel like much right now, but they can add up and help you meet your graduation goals.  

Not into taking college classes during your break? Consider learning a new skill instead. It's a fun way to relax and could possibly even turn into a new side gig. 

7. Get (or stay) active. While relaxing all break is tempting, finding time to move your body will help you feel your best and boost your energy. Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a jog, or even doing yoga at home, find an activity that you enjoy. Not only will this help you stay in shape, but physical activity is also great for reducing stress and improving your mood.


8. Volunteer. Giving back to your community or paying it forward to neighbors in need can be immensely gratifying. Check online for volunteer opportunities, or ask family or friends for recommendations. Not only does volunteering feel good, but it also looks great on your resume and scholarship applications. 


9. Kill the clutter. The end of the semester signals a chance to start the next with a clean slate. There are plenty of ways for you to clean up and organize — get rid of old assignments or papers you no longer need, clear your computer’s desktop or folders of projects you won’t need for future classes, donate old clothes taking up closet space, and resell or donate textbooks for courses you’ve finished. 


10. Sharpen your cooking skills. Never underestimate the satisfaction of creating wonderful meals for yourself. Spend some time learning how to cook healthy and delicious new dishes. Read cookbooks, search for new recipes, watch cooking videos, and give your kitchen (and culinary skills) a workout! 


11. Explore new places. Winter break can be the perfect time to travel and explore new places, even if you're on a tight budget. Consider local road trips, staying with friends or family, or exploring nearby attractions. Look for student discounts on transportation, lodging, and events to make your trip more affordable.


12. Take some time for yourself. Finally, make sure you take good care of yourself over winter break. Spend quality time with your family and friends in person or virtually. Eat something that didn’t come from a dining hall or a vending machine. Watch that movie or read that book you’ve meant to get to — just do something fun! Enjoying your downtime will refresh your mind and help you take on the new semester with confidence and enthusiasm.