Student Life Over The Winter Break: How to make the most of it

Student Life Over The Winter Break

After the stress of finals is over, many students are excited to enjoy the winter break. 

The winter break is,  for many students, the best time to relax, get some rest under a cozy blanket, watch movies and get together with family. 

However, with the new restrictions in The Netherlands, it can be tough to keep yourself entertained or active. We saw many holiday dinners, get-togethers, and activities canceled because of the new measures. 

The coronavirus measures, although necessary, can present students with many challenges, especially during this time of the year. Today, we share a small list of things students can do during their holidays, which might help you make the most out of this period. 

Spending quality time with family

Many students are excited to return home for winter break. It can be a special time for family, friends, and a familiar place. 

Despite the uncountable video calls we make during the school year, it is often hard not to miss your home and look forward to quality time with your loved ones. 

If you are able to make this decision, we encourage you to book your flights as soon as possible, to avoid extremely expensive tickets. 

Also, if you live relatively close to The Netherlands, it can be easier to take a train instead of a flight (and better for the environment). Don't forget to check all the travel regulations, to avoid last-minute runs across the airport (been there, done that).
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We have to keep in mind that not everyone will be able to go back home during the holidays. Students staying on campus over the winter break report feeling bored and lonely, and this is an issue we also need to talk about. 

It can be a hard time for those students who, for various reasons: economic situation, restrictions, family or personal issues. If you know someone that is going through a hard time, do check in on them, take some time during your day to call them, and show them you care. On the other hand, if you are one of the students staying on campus during the break, there are steps you can take to reduce boredom and loneliness. 

Prioritize your mental health in your daily routines

Maintaining a regular sleeping schedule, eating healthy and nourishing meals, and exercising are the pillars of a healthy mind and body. 

Try to set a designated "device down-time". It can be easy to spend hours watching TikTok's but it's probably not the best thing for your brain. 

Make time for yourself to de-stress and connect with your inner thoughts. Some people like journaling, others practice meditation, or maybe you are the type of person that relaxes while practicing yoga. There are many choices available for you to calm down and reconnect with yourself from time to time.

Connecting with friends

Whether you are home or staying on campus, try to catch up with friends. Although we can no longer throw a party, the new measures still allow us to do more simple things, like go for a walk with a friend or have a few visitors over to plan a chill evening.   

If none of your friends are in town, you can always plan a virtual game night. Some games you can play online for free are Scribble, SpyFall, Codenames...

Catch up on reading

As a kid, I used to read books all the time. It was one of my favorite hobbies. As I grew older, however, I stopped making it a priority, and with my schedule filling up with more and more responsibilities, I just stopped.

Recently, I have made it my goal to start building the habit of reading again, making time for it and taking it one step at a time. 

Ten pages a day is a good starting point for anyone who wants to pick up this hobby. 

Learn something new or Pick up a new hobby

With so much free time at hand, the winter break is the perfect time for students to try something new. From taking an online course you've been postponing, to learning to play guitar or learning a new language. The opportunities are endless, and you don't have to expend any extra money.