The 10 Best Things to do this Winter Break

It’s finally here – Winter Break!

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

As you think about how you want to spend this time away from UMBC re-charging, and if binge-watching Netflix just won’t suffice, check out some of the suggestions below:

1.       Eat a good meal! Or two. Or three…

Take a break from your typical college diet and use this time to enjoy some healthy meals. And as a note for when you get back to campus, check out these easy healthy meals you can cook up right in your residential hall!

2.       Catch up on sleep.

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. No early alarm clocks necessary!

3.       Try out a yoga class to learn some relaxation techniques or another form of exercise -your choice. Even just getting outside for a walk in the fresh air can do wonders!

4.       Visit a graduate or professional school.

Whether you are just starting to think about grad school or are actually working on applications, in-person visits are always informative.

5.       Take a day trip somewhere that you haven’t been or spend an afternoon exploring your hometown. If Maryland is home, here is a list of 100 day trips from Baltimore!

6.       Volunteer in your local community.

The local food bank, animal shelter, or soup kitchen can all be great ways to spend time supporting the community. A quick Google search can help you find hundreds of ways to get involved this January.

7.       Set up an informational interview with a working professional or job shadow for a career you are considering.

Find out what a profession is really like and make connections 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 museum curator/computer scientist/sports psychologist?” Shadowing can help you determine if a profession is really for you! Keep a journal to record notes from these experiences.

8.       Trade in your school textbooks for a book you can read for fun.

9.       Do some light brainstorming for next semester plans.

If you found yourself too overwhelmed and busy last semester, consider what activities you may need to let go of. 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.

10.   Take time to re-connect with family and friends.

Spend some time with the elders in your family learning 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.

See below for some of the ways the Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising’s Peer Advisors are spending their Winter Break:

“Over Winter Break, I will be preparing for the DAT (Dental Admission Test) and planning my application process for dental schools. I will also be working at a dental office and shadowing other dentists” –Christine Lee, Biological Sciences

“My plan for the winter break is basically to relax and kick back with friends and family, go the gym, and learn something new regarding my major.” – Michael Unuigbe, Computer Science