One of the many distinct things at Elon University is our 4-1-4 based academic calendar. We have our fall and spring semesters, but in between them we have a winter term. It’s not unique for most schools to have a winter term, but for most schools, winter term is during Christmas break that most students take while they are home. Ours is quite different. Winter term, aka “J-term” is during the month of January, and lasts for three-and-a-half weeks. During winter term, students just take one four-credit class. Yes, you heard that right. One class five days a week for three hours each day. After a stressful and long fall semester, students are rewarded with a three-week-long break.

Elon students get to relax, and take a break during this J term. Winter term is also included in the fall tuition, so it doesn't hurt anyone to go. J Term is also a great opportunity to get an extra 4 credits in if perhaps you're behind in your major, or you need that extra class to fulfill your minor. Winter term really helps students stay on track and graduate on time.

Here comes the fun part: class times. There are two options for what time your class starts - 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-4:30 p.m.

If you're a morning person and don't mind getting up a little early, the 8:30 a.m. time is for you. Sure, getting up before 8 a.m. isn't easy every day, but then you're done with class by 11:30 in the morning. After 3 hours of class, you're completely free! You have the whole day to do whatever you want... just think of the possibilities. Eat, sleep, Netflix, hang out with friends, homework, make new friends, work... the options are truly endless.

And the other class option is a bonus, too! If you’re one of those people who like to stay up late, sleep in, perhaps go out on the weekdays, the 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. class option is definitely for you. You can sleep in, finish your homework, maybe even get in a workout before even heading to class. The only downside to the 1:30 p.m. time frame is that by 4:30 p.m., you’re just getting out of class, and pretty soon it’s dinnertime, so it doesn’t give you a whole lot of free time.

Regardless of whatever time you choose, it’s pretty much a win-win situation. Winter term has a very relaxed feel to it. Every student is only taking one class so it gives everyone a lot of free time to find new activities or make new friends. The classes that they offer are also much more entertaining than classes during the regular semester. You can take a "Harry Potter" class, a "Mad Men and Bad Men" class, or even take a trip to Daytona for a class that pertains to Nascar. How cool!

Winter term is also very important for those who spent fall semester abroad. Let’s face it, students who studied abroad definitely did more of the abroad part than the study part. (I was abroad, I’ll admit it). That being said, it’s a tough transition coming back to college life. But winter term provides students with an easy transition back into taking classes and doing homework and studying.

Winter term is also a great time to study abroad. Some students don’t want to spend a whole semester abroad, but still want to see the world, so they decide to go winter term. Since winter term is only a little over 3 weeks, students are able to get close with a group of Elon students while seeing whatever country they choose. There are several extremely fascinating trips that Elon offers for winter term, such as a World War II trip to Germany, a trip to Ghana studying African dance, an Eat Pray Love trip to France, the list goes on and on.

The diverse approach of winter term is another reason what makes Elon University such a great place.