The time has finally come; Winter Break is upon us! One full month away from research papers and lecture notes. It's every college student's favorite time of the year... but what to do with all that free time? You can only sit around catching up on your favorite TV shows for so long.

Here are seven different ways you can make the most of your Winter Break!

1. Join a gym.

It's the end of the year, which means gym memberships are on a crazy discount right now. Not only can you get out of the house and meet new people, you're also taking care of your body. And besides, exercising can be fun! Right? ...Right?

2. Learn a craft.

Within the first week of my Winter Break, I learned how to make homemade candles. There are tons of super easy, fun crafts that you can learn, whether it be homemade candles, wind chimes, jewelry and accessories, or painting activities. Lots of craft stores-- like Michaels, A.C. Moore, and Hobby Lobby-- have starter kits for beginners. Plus nothing is more rewarding than making something yourself!

3. Redecorate your bedroom.

You don't have to go into full-on HGTV Renovation mode-- especially if you're moving back into the dorms in a few weeks anyways. But you'd be surprised what a few posters and a new bed set can do! Not only will you have fun redesigning your space, you'll make it a cozy safe haven for when you come back in the spring!

4. Catch up with old friends.

If you're anything like me, you don't really talk to people from high school anymore. Winter break is the perfect time to meet up for a Panera lunch date and reconnect with old friends, though! A coffee date here and there over the break are a great way to keep in touch with friends you otherwise only see on Facebook and Instagram anymore!

5. Spend time with your family.

You may have moved away for school to get away from your family, but at the end of the day they are your family and they miss you while you're gone. Take your mom out for lunch, go get a beer with your dad, catch up with your siblings-- it won't be long until you're back at school, so enjoy the time you have with them now.

6. Go sight-seeing.

Sure, you've lived in this town for a while-- and again, you moved to a school out of state to get away-- but it's amazing what hidden gems you find when looking at your hometown with a fresh outlook. I've lived five minutes from Providence my whole life, and it took me 18 years to find the beauty in my city. Get out there and explore-- visit your local mom-and-pop stores, visit the parks, enjoy the Winter Wonderland your home has become.

7. Prepare for school again in January.

These four weeks off go by in the blink of an eye, and before you know it you're back in class, stressing about deadlines and exam dates. Prep early. Buy yourself a planner. Order your books ahead of time-- most schools have an online bookstore that tells you which books you'll need, and if it turns out they're not required, stores like Amazon have a 30-day return policy! Get your supplies ready and put yourself in the right mindset to learn. Only four more months until finals!