How to Survive a Winter Break in the Suburbs if you go to a City School
After the extensive work of finals, most people are ready to go home for a break. The first few days at home tend to be great; however, once we settle in, it is easy to get bored, especially if we are used to the city life at school. Here are some little tips to help you make it through the cold month at home while still having fun.
1. Get some shifts at your summer job
Living in the city throughout the year can get expensive. Use winter break as an opportunity to regain some of the money that you’ve probably spent the past semester, whether it was on transportation, clothes, food, concerts, etc. Especially if you didn’t have a job during school, this is the perfect time. Having a job doesn’t have to be a burden. Working is also a great way to keep some structure to your schedule throughout the break, so you aren’t sitting at home bored every day.
2. Get in shape
The freshman fifteen is no myth, especially when living in a city where all types of food are accessible by a short walk or subway ride. Let’s not be discouraged. With a month off from school and studying, winter break gives us ample time to become active again.
3. Go to sleep earlier
There is no denying that a college student’s sleeping schedule is often not the healthiest. If you go to a city school, you’ve probably experienced some serious lack of sleep. There’s always something to do off-campus at night, regardless of whether or not it is a “school night.” So when you come home for the winter break and everything is closed in your town at 9 PM, don’t see this as a negative thing. Enjoy the alone time, curl up in bed with a Netflix show or book, and GET SOME SLEEP!!! Before you know it you will be back in the heart of your city staying up until 3 AM, only to wake up in a few hours for your 9 AM lecture.
4. Enjoy having a car
If you’ve lived the past few months in a city school, chances are you haven’t spent much time driving. Since so many things have been in walking distance or accessible via subway, there really has been no reason for you to use a car. However, living in the suburbs relies heavily on having a car, even to go to the simplest places. Take advantage of this time! You don’t even have to be going anywhere specific. Sometimes going for late night highway drives is one of the most relaxing ways to clear your mind and have some alone time.
5. Read
During college, it can be extremely difficult to find free time to curl up and get lost in a book. If you’re like me, reading is one of the most therapeutic ways to pass time. Head out to Barnes & Noble and pick up a few best sellers! Especially if you are going to be traveling over winter break, this will be great to have a few books for the plane ride.
6. Take advantage of the alone time
This one is arguably the most important. Living the college life is undoubtedly extremely social, and there are few times where we can just be alone. It might seem hard, but when you’re at home for break, try not feel like you have to hang out with people 24/7. You’re only home for a month, and before you know it you’ll be back at school surrounded by your friends all the time. It’s time to relax and recharge!
