Winter To-Do List

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 re-charge before the spring semester begins.

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

1. 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.

2. 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. Many organizations are still meaning virtually and Campus Life continues to offer regular online programming for students.

3. Take time to reconnect with family and friends.

Tell your friends 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.

4. 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. Check out these easy meals for college students.

5. Spend an afternoon exploring the great outdoors!

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, many of the state parks are still open. And if you aren’t feeling as adventurous, even a walk around your neighborhood can do a world of good!

6. Research a graduate or professional school.

Whether you are just starting to think about grad school or are actually working on applications, many schools are offering virtual fairs or meetings to prospective students.

7. Set up an informational interview with a working professional.

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 pilot/engineer/dance therapist?” Keep a journal to record notes from these experiences.

8. Update and upgrade your resume.

Opportunities sometimes come up quickly and you want to be ready with that polished resume. Every college student needs a polished resume!

9. Plan an independent research or creative project and prepare an application for the UMBC Undergraduate Research Award (URA).

The URA provides up to $1500 to support research expenses such as equipment, travel, and materials. Here is a link to the full details.

Summer internships can provide both $ and valuable experience. The more competitive internships have deadlines in 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. Some internships are open to recent college graduates.

10. Work on your graduation game plan.

Winter break is an excellent time to create, revise or update your plan. Here are suggestions for a pathway you can take for graduation, and it includes a worksheet to start the plans on! Don’t forget to refer to your myUMBC profile for more academic information!