You’ve made it, the fall semester is over and you finally have the time recuperate from those sleepless nights you spent cramming for your finals. While winter break is a time to wind down, indulge in holiday treats and spend time with loved ones, it can also be a time to prepare for the spring semester. So here are some ways you can stay on your game this break…that is of course after you’ve caught up on some sleep and had time to ‘veg out’ in front of the TV.

1. Get Rid of the Clutter

Take this time to toss out any papers, used notebooks, planners or anything from last semester you no longer need. It is easier to stay focused when you have a clean and organized workspace. The same goes for your hard drive — chances are your computer is full of assignments or downloads that are taking up unnecessary space. If you’re saving some work for a portfolio, transfer files to a USB or external hard drive.

2. Purchase/Rent Textbooks

Part of the preparing for the new semester requires that you start looking into what textbooks, lab books and course materials you’ll need for spring. Textbooks are expensive and most of the time the university tries to sell them to you at full price. In an effort to save some bucks, try Amazon or Chegg. They offer textbooks at a fraction of the price and allow you to choose from new or used. But don’t leave it to the last minute — the closer it gets to the first day back the higher the demand.

3. Mark Calendar Dates for Spring Semester

Some professors like to upload syllabi early, allowing you to mark important dates such as exam, assignment, project, or presentation dates. Other dates to consider are class add/drop deadlines, course registration dates, scholarship application deadlines, internship application deadlines, job and internship fairs, when tuition is due, financial aid deadlines and anything else you should be aware of.

4. Update Resume

If you’ve learned a new skill, joined a club, or even improved your grade point average, it should be on your resume! Don’t be timid when it comes to deciding what goes on your resume. Your resume is a reflection of what you learned and accomplished in college and will be the key to getting a job.

5. Apply for Summer Internships

This is the perfect time to make moves in terms of applying for summer internships. Do your research, find out what types of internships are available in your area and start working on the paperwork, getting references and organizing your portfolio. If you’re having trouble, ask an advisor or professor to help find an internship based on your major and interests.

6. Apply for Scholarships

Don’t forget about scholarship applications. The university and many organizations offer scholarships to students of many capacities. College is extremely expensive; don’t squander any opportunities that can help you out in the long run.

7. Catch Up on Some Light Reading

The bulk of your time this semester was spent focused on your studies and any free time that you had consisted of sleeping or Netflix. Pick up a book (of your choosing) this break! Chances are, it’ll be way more entertaining than the dense material your professors had you reading.

8. Find a Seasonal, Part-time Job

If you’re running low on pocket money these days maybe a seasonal, part-time job is the answer. Now that it is the holiday season, plenty of businesses are looking for extra help. You can use sites like Snagajob.com or Indeed.com to narrow down the search to your area and places looking for seasonal employees.

9. Hit the Gym

It's not the holiday season without the many festive foods or deserts. It’s hard to say no to all those tasty treats right? In order to offset the extra calories consumed during the holidays, a few times a week in the gym is a must. Drag a friend or family member with you for company; it’ll be the perfect chance to catch up if you haven’t seen them in a while. But if the gym isn’t for you try going on walks when the weather allows.

10. Volunteer

Volunteering is perfect way to give back to the community during the holiday season! Many charities or organizations plan events specifically for the holidays, so finding volunteer work shouldn’t be hard. Try your local church or even your old high school! Aside from the satisfaction you’ll get from doing good, you can add this experience to your resume. It’s a win win.

11. Make a New Years Resolutions List

One of the good things about the year ending is that you get to start over and set new goals for the New Year. While it’s a lot easier said than done, there is no harm in trying. If you don’t trust yourself to complete all of the resolutions on your list, try setting at least one goal. Goals are meant to motivate you, not stress you out.

12. Catch Up with Family and Friends

It's not budgeting or preparing for the new semester but in my opinion, spending time with friends and family is equally as important. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, sit by the fire and just enjoy being surrounded by people who love you. Everyone can benefit from a little family time.