Finals exams are over! You are free! Whether you're going home for winter break or staying in Rome, there are plenty of restful yet productive ways to spend your time. I'm sure you can't wait to relax and do nothing, but you will find your break to be much more enjoyable if you find the right balance and fully take advantage of this time.
Here are 5 things you should do over your holiday break:
Whether you are a freshman or a senior, every semester is certainly different. Maybe the fall semester was particularly challenging for you in some way; maybe you had a blast. Why not take some time during the winter break to reflect on all that has occurred in the last five months? You will then be able to see what kind of changes you should make, personally or academically, as you enter the new year.
After reflecting on the fall semester, you will be perfectly equipped and ready to take on Spring 2019. Spend some of your time during the break writing out goals for next semester. Maybe you want to get straight As, join one of JCU's many student-led clubs and organizations, or visit more of Rome's sites and museums. Write these down and set specific, quantifiable goals!
One of the best parts about the holiday season is spending time with loved ones. If you have been living with roommates this past semester, it will be nice to have some alone time to relax. But make sure you find a balance, and add in plenty of quality time with friends and family who you don't get to see during the semester. Before you know it, you will be on a plane headed back to the Eternal City, so take advantage of this wonderful time!
You should dedicate some of your free time to thinking about your upcoming classes. Start doing some research on the topics that will be covered in your classes, check out the online syllabi, and make a plan to buy any required books online or as soon as you get back to Rome. You may even realize one of the classes you have registered for doesn't fit well with your schedule, or you may have changed your mind about an elective. If you think about this ahead of time, you will have plenty of time to drop/add classes when the new semester starts! Be sure to mind JCU's drop/add deadline.
While you should definitely spend time binge-watching your favorite shows or Christmas movies, you might also enjoy discovering a new hobby during the holiday break! Spend this time discovering a new skill, or pick up an old one again that you didn't have time for during the school semester. Maybe you used to love playing the piano but haven't gotten a chance to practice in a while. You might even be able to involve your family or friends. Have your mom show you how to make a family recipe, or ask your dad to teach you to play chess. This break is perfect for self-discovery!