Congrats on finishing your final exams and projects! With the semester behind us and winter break finally here, now’s the perfect time to plan out how to make the most of the next few weeks. Instead of letting this break blur together, let’s be international about how we spend our time. Whether it’s recharging, building personal projects, or exploring something new, these activities can help you end your break feeling refreshed and accomplished. Here are some activities I’m looking forward to this winter break—I hope they inspire you as well!
1. Reconnect with Friends and Family
During the semester, it’s tough to find quality time for your loved ones when you’re juggling deadlines and responsibilities. Winter break is the perfect opportunity to catch up whether it’s eating meals together, sharing stories, or watching your favorite holiday movies. Reach out to friends you haven’t seen in a while and plan a meetup. These moments help you recharge emotionally, reminding you of the support system you have outside of school.
2. Recharge Your Mind and Body
Staying up until 4 am studying for finals may have taken a toll on your energy, so this break is a chance to rest and reset. Enjoy guilt-free mornings of sleeping in while also working toward a more regular sleep pattern. Even though it’s cold, winter activities like visiting Christmas lights, ice skating (be careful!), or taking a brisk walk can be very refreshing. I’m personally excited to run and skate this winter—as long as the snow doesn’t get in my way!
3. Build or Explore Personal Projects
Winter break is perfect for diving into projects you’re passionate about but never had the time to do during the semester. If you are a tech enthusiast like me, winter break is a great time to build something meaningful—a website, app, or game. It doesn’t have to be the next big idea; just make something that excites you while sharpening your skills. Additionally, tap into your creative side with activities like painting, photography, or writing. I’m especially looking forward to painting again. Every semester, I tell myself I’ll keep up with my creative hobbies, but school gets so busy, and it’s impossible to make time for them. This break is the perfect chance to revisit your hobbies.
4. Apply to Summer Opportunities
Winter break is also the ideal time to plan for the future. If you’re seeking internships, research programs, or other opportunities for summer, start applying now. This will give you a head start on the spring recruiting cycle. In addition to applying, practice your technical skills on platforms like LeetCode or build your portfolio with projects. This will set you up for technical interviews so you can breeze through them. Additionally, network on LinkedIn and connect with professionals in your field, it never hurts to learn from people who are doing the jobs you want to one day.
5. Reflect and Plan Ahead
Whether you’ve just finished your first semester or are preparing for your last, winter break is an excellent time for reflection. Think about what went well this past semester and what you’d like to improve in the next. Use this time to set academic or personal goals for the new year. Start preparing for the upcoming semester—review course materials, organize your schedule, or even just mentally recharge so you feel ready to tackle a new semester.
Final Thoughts
Winter break is truly what you make of it. Whether you’re focusing on recharging, reconnecting, creating, or planning for the future, every moment is an opportunity to balance rest with productivity. Take this time to invest in yourself—explore your passions, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on your goals. And remember, there’s no wrong way to spend this break, as long as it leaves you feeling ready to take on the new semester!