It’s winter quarter, which many students attest to being the worst quarter. You’re over the start of the school year excitement, you’re nowhere close to summer vacation, and it’s pouring rain. No one wants to go outside, there're no football games, and it’s dark way too early. You may feel depressed, or be counting the days until spring, but there’s no reason to. If you’re looking for something to do this winter, here are some things you can do during the cold winter days.

1. Go to basketball games.

UW's basketball team is doing well this year. The crowd is energetic, and it’s inside, so you won’t get soaked like you would during football games. If you have Dawg Pack tickets, basketball games are included. However, single game tickets are for sale, and they’re only $12 a game for students. If you are missing going to the Dawg Pack and cheering for the Huskies, you can still do it for basketball.

2. Redecorate or reorganize.

If you’ve had the same decorations since fall, it could be a good time to upgrade. Finding some new posters or hanging pictures in different places can be refreshing and exciting. Also, you could reorganize your room or your apartment. Chances are you have some things you need to throw out, and now’s a good time to do so.

3. Go through your closet.

If you have a free rainy Saturday with nothing to do, going through your closet might be something perfect to do. You can try on some new combos, plan some outfits for upcoming events, and find a new way to organize your closet. Also, you can use this time to find some items you don’t wear anymore or don’t fit and donate them.

4. Write letters to friends and family.

Nowadays, no one writes to each other. We text, send snap chats, and like each other’s posts on social media. Find the art of writing friends again and become pen pals with someone. You could either write to someone close to you, such as a close friend or go online and sign up for one on a website. There are so many places you can find out about, and you could send letters internationally.

5. Try a winter sport.

If you’ve wanted to try snowboarding or skiing, winter is the perfect time to try. These activities can be expensive, however, many places offer student discounts and beginner packages. If neither of those appeal to you, you could always try something a little more low-key (and cheaper) such as tubing and snowshoeing. It’s a great way to get outside, learn something new, and spend time with friends.

6. Catch up on TV shows.

Most likely you’ll be spending a lot of time inside. If you have free time, take advantage to watch a new show. We have so many streaming services and a lot of quality TV shows to watch. So, if there’s a show you’ve wanted to watch for a while now, but haven’t gotten around to it, now might be a perfect time. Or, if you need something more social…

7. Start watching a show with others.

Watching a TV show with friends or your significant other can be so much fun. My guilty pleasure is The Bachelor, but I love Monday nights because my friends and I watch it together and laugh at all the drama. While you may not be into The Bachelor, but there’s probably some show you can find and enjoy with your friends.

8. Learn something new.

If you have time, and you’re not behind in your actual classes, there are tons of classes online that you can take. If you’ve been interested in a hobby or activity, you can find something for free or cheap online.

9. Prepare for the Oscars

The Oscars are at the end of February. However, the average viewer most likely hasn’t seen a lot of the movies or performances that are up for awards. If you’d like to be able to recognize a Best Picture nominee, you can take this month and watch the films that are nominated. Some of them are in theaters, which would make for a great night out, but some came out earlier this year. Use your nights in to watch some quality movies.

10. Get crafty.

If you’ve been wanted to scrapbook or knit or cross-stitch, there’s no better day than a rainy day to do it. Again, you can find a class online for cheap or free, or watch Youtube tutorials. Who knows, you might find a new hobby!

11. Read a book that’s not for a class.

If you can't remember the last time you read a book that wasn’t assigned to you by a professor, then take some time now to read something purely for enjoyment. Go to the library and check out a book for free. Or, you can listen to them on Audible if you are constantly on the go.

12. Play some board games.

Board games can be an excellent way to spend some time together and get competitive. If you’re stuck inside, you can still be social. If board games aren’t your style, have a video game competition.

13. Bake or cook something new.

It’s cold outside so eat something warm! Try that recipe you’ve wanted to do but haven't yet. And you can post it on Instagram when you’ve finished your food, so bonus!

14. Plan your vacation.

If you are dreaming of warm sunny days after trying everything else, you can plan something to look forward to. If this helps to get you through winter quarter, you might as well plan the best vacation you can.

Hopefully, you’ll find at least one of those fourteen things to be fun! Winter doesn’t have to be the worst quarter; it’s a time to take some much needed “me time” or try something new! Happy Winter Quarter everyone!