Winter To-Do List

You worked hard this semester and it doesn’t go unrecognized. Now is the time to get some well-deserved rest and re-charge before the spring semester begins. 

It’s easy to binge-watch your favorite tv shows or go down the TikTok rabbit hole, but we’d like to challenge you to do some things that will truly restore you during your winter break. 

 

Did you pull more all-nighters this past semester than you would like to admit? Now is the time to re-establish some good sleeping habits and get the rest you deserve.  

 

Take some time to evaluate your fall semester and map out your plan for the spring. How did your course load feel this semester? How did you do in online vs. in-person classes? Did you connect with professors or advisors in your department? Did you seek academic support when you needed it? This can be a great time to assess your academic plan and make sure you are getting all the support you need to move forward!  

If you found yourself too overwhelmed and busy last semester, consider what activities you may need to let go. On the other end, if you feel you had too much time on your hands, consider some clubs or activities you may be able to get involved in this spring. Many organizations continue to offer regular online and in-person programming for students. 

It’s the perfect time of year to tell your friends and family that you cherish them! Keep your support system strong and growing into the spring semester. FaceTime the elders in your family and learn more about your family history and heritage. This discovery about your family roots can be the inspiration you need to keep pushing forward when the going gets tough. 

Take a break from your typical college diet and use this time to enjoy some hearty, homecooked meals. Check out these easy meals for college students!  

Yes, it’s a bit cold in the winter, but all you need is some winter gear to enjoy some fresh air and nature. If you call Maryland home, you could explore many of the state parks that are still open. If you like skiing, there's lots of great local spots to check out too! And if you aren’t feeling as adventurous, even a walk around your neighborhood can do a world of good! 

 

Whether you are just starting to think about grad school or currently working on applications, many schools offer virtual fairs or meetings to prospective students. As you research graduate or professional programs, make sure you’re aware of all application deadlines and requirements such as personal statements, letters of recommendation, and graduate school admissions exams.  

 

Find out what a profession is like and connect with people in your future field by conducting an interview unrelated to a job search. Sample question: “What are the most important qualities for an aspiring pilot/engineer/dance therapist?” Keep a journal to record notes from these experiences. We also have a lot of UMBC alumni for you to connect with through our Retrievers Connect network!  

 

Opportunities sometimes come up quickly, and you want to be ready with that polished resume. Every college student needs a polished resume! Check out these tips from the Career Center!  

 

Are you looking for funding? Check out Scholarship Retriever, which offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to new and current UMBC students. The Scholarship Retriever lists institutional, merit, financial need, and department scholarships.  

Look ahead to summer and get a jump on searching for summer internships, which can provide both $ and valuable experience. The more competitive internships have deadlines in the fall, but some are still open in January-March. If you have already missed a deadline, get all the information so you can apply early next year. Check out some tips for getting started here!  

Winter break is an excellent time to create, revise or update your academic plan. Here are suggestions for a pathway you can take towards graduation, which also includes a helpful planning worksheet! Don’t forget to refer to your myUMBC profile for more academic information!