Make the most out of your winter break

The long-awaited winter break is finally here, congratulations on getting through yet another semester! Now you can kick back, relax and enjoy yourselves while watching the snowfall (or Netflix).

Check out what your trusty Welcome Crew mentors have to say about making this winter break a fantastic one! 

Mentor tip #1: Refine your chef skills

“The winter break can be a great time to learn how to cook or bake different foods! Having a set of healthy and filling meals in one's repertoire can also really help to start the semester off right. Baking can be really fun too!” — Rima, BA, Psychology

Mentor tip #2: Don't let the cold scare you

“It is so tempting to spend time catching up on sleep and staying in during the winter vacation. However, there is so much more to do outside! There are many different holiday and winter-themed events available throughout December that you can check out. Don't forget that with the colder weather comes the perfect opportunity to practice your ice skating. Make the most out of it!” — Navid, BEng, Computer Engineering

Mentor tip #3: Catch up on tasks

“Take advantage of this winter break by booking all your doctor's appointments, updating your CV and LinkedIn profile, looking for summer jobs or internships, selling your used textbooks and much more. Also, take advantage of holiday deals. This will help you to start your semester off fresh.” — Roksana, BSc, Specialization in Biology

Mentor tip #4: Make your environment comfortable

“The winter can be really difficult, and I wouldn’t blame you if you liked spending more time indoors. Make sure that your apartment, room or space is winter friendly, comfortable and cozy. For example, I find that the heating system makes my room dry, so I use a humidifier. Do whatever you need to do to ensure maximum comfort as it definitely affects your mood. You can adjust your space in budget-friendly ways such as getting inexpensive cozy blankets, scented candles and plants!” — Akhil, MASc, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Mentor tip #5: Invest time your interests

“Now is a great time to catch up on your interests outside of the classroom. Make sure to rest, but also use the time off to catch up on reading any books or texts you couldn't get to during the term. It could be something that caught your interest in class, or a topic that you really want to explore on your own. I have a list of readings and films I want to check out with my spare time.” — Maggie, BFA, Photography, Communications and Cultural Studies

Final mentor tip: Have fun!

The winter vacation is going to be over before you know it, so give yourself permission to have as much fun as you can. There will be plenty of time to hustle during the semester.

Don't let the cold stop you from living your life and making plans that you enjoy. The key word here is plans that you enjoy — focus on activities and plans that make you feel good. If your definition of fun is wrapping yourself into a blanket burrito and reading a good book, then do it! The point is to make the most out of the days where you do not have to study hard and meet deadlines. This way, you can start the upcoming semester feeling positive and recharged.

You earned this free time with your hard work this semester, so make sure you dedicate it to making yourself feel good — you absolutely deserve it. Don't forget to treat yourself to some hot cocoa and holiday sweets and goodies!

On that note, I wish you all happy holidays and a magical new year! — Aya, BComm, Human Resources Management

Find out more about Concordia’s Student Success Centre.