It is finally the famed and much-loved time of the academic year: Winter Study. Four weeks of one class or project on a pass or fail basis. Four weeks of minimal work and stress for the average Williams student. But what if you are the type to enjoy staying busy? What if you fear squandering away those four weeks on meaningless activities or excessive hibernation? Here are some guidelines to make Winter Study the best experience possible!

1. Try new activities.

This is the time to try snowboarding, sign up for a club that you did not participate in earlier because of the lack of free time, or take a new PE class. You will feel like you are exploring all that Williams has to offer, and you will quickly find yourself busy with all of your new activities. Alternatively, if you find yourself disliking something, perhaps this is the time to drop it and explore other options. It is okay to sample a lot of different things to find the few you will focus on next semester.

2. Make time for friends.

Finally, you can schedule meals and hangouts with all of your friends without classes, practices, rehearsals, meetings, and work getting in the way. Take advantage of everyone's fluid schedule, and make sure you get in that time to make memories with your closest friends.

3. Attend events.

Whether it is a show, art gallery, party, or a formal, get out there and give the event a chance. You will likely meet people you have never seen before during the regular semester or at least spend quality time with your friends. It is too easy to hunker down during Winter Study and spend all of your time in your room. Challenge yourself to get out there.

4. Do not overstretch yourself.

If you find yourself stressed out rather than enjoying taking advantage of the freedom of Winter Study, then reevaluate and cut out the detrimental activities and people that are worsening your experience. It is okay to be selfish. This is your Winter Study, after all.

5. Sleep.

Taking care of yourself is important during any time, but especially during flu season. A large part of that is sleep. It is okay to go out and have fun every night, but make sure to get your eight hours when you can. With all of the free time, it should not be a problem to find time to nap.

6. Travel.

Take the bus, buy a train ticket, or just drive somewhere new with your friends or alone. This is the time to go out and explore surrounding cities and towns or visit friends at other colleges during the weekend. Without the stress of excessive homework and other obligations, Winter Study is the prime time to get out of the Williamstown bubble.

7. Have fun!

No matter what you choose to do over your Winter Study, have fun with it. You only get four Winter Studies during your time at Williams. Make them count.