3 Useful Skills To Pick Up This Winter Break
Start writing a post
Student Life

3 Useful Skills To Pick Up This Winter Break

Because let's be real, 6 hours of Netflix a day just isn't healthy.

45
3 Useful Skills To Pick Up This Winter Break

Now that the fall semester or quarter is over, it can feel like life is meaningless. Other than getting brunch with friends, participating in way too many secret santas for your own good, eating way too much junk food, and watching way too much Netflix, there really isn't anything productive to do. Usually by Christmas, I'm itching for a purpose in life again, and here are a few useful, but fun skills that you can pick up this winter break.

1. Python, HTML, or another coding language

In the world of ever innovating technology, it is extremely helpful to know an easy coding language even if you're not in the field of computer science. Having HTML or SQL on your resume as a business major can give you an advantage over other candidates, since you'll be naturally more tech savvy than everyone else. Knowing Python or Matlab as any science major can help you run lab tests quicker. It's also free to learn these languages on Code Academy, which teaches the languages in chapters so you can allocate as little or as much time as you want each day to learn.

2. Origami

This skill will come in handy when you're bored out of your mind somewhere with scrap paper as your only form of entertainment. Whether that describes your typical family Christmas party or your annual dentist appointment, it's always nice to be able to fold something other than a paper airplane. Simple origami pieces like a crane or a heart take less than half an hour to learn, while modular origami can take up to days to learn and create. Depending on the amount of time you have, you can learn this skill that might even turn into a party trick in the future. Just imagine the look of awe in your friends' eyes when you magically create an elephant out of a post-it note next semester.

3. A New Dish

Admit it: 90% of the meals you make in college consist of some sort of frozen food and ready-to-eat meat. Take this Winter Break and learn some quick and easy meals that you can whip up in no time so when midterms roll around again, you'll be prepared. No more ramen for days or frozen mac and cheese for every meal. A fancy meal will take a few hours, while a simple one will only take you half an hour at most.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

113419
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments