Winter break is right around the corner!
This is a time for academic prep, but is, of course, still a holiday for everyone to enjoy. My academic term just ended and I know most other student’s are coming to a close as well, so I wanted to put a guide/brainstorm together of things to do to make the most out of your winter breaks.
First Year:
- Begin preparing for any exams! This is a great time to catch up on readings and review your lecture notes. If you have recorded lectures, this is a great tool to recap all that you’ve learned. Make sure to also expand your reading scope to ensure a first on your exam. A great way to do this is to look at the references in your required readings and read any related papers.
- Review your syllabi! Use this information to update your calendar with deadlines and familiarize yourself with the new material you will be learning.
- Look for part time or volunteering work! While you’re out of university, this is a great time to apply to different opportunities and allow for various companies to take the allotted time to get back to you.
Second Year:
- Prepare for exams and finish coursework! Essays get lengthier in second year, so it is important to create a study and work schedule that will allow you to complete your assignments in a timely fashion.
- Look for internship opportunities! Lots of summer internship opportunities open their applications in the fall/winter, so it is best to look for internships over break.
- Start brainstorming dissertation ideas! It may feel as though you’ve barely been in uni, but this is the time to generate ideas for your dissertation especially if you are doing a degree that requires primary field data to be used in your dissertation.
Third Year:
- Write those essays and study for those exams! Third year has lengthier essays and a higher standard of marking which means it is in your best interest to start on these courseworks and study schedule as early as possible.
- Work on your dissertation! This is the perfect time to dedicate yourself to reading and data crunching without the stress of going to lectures.
- Apply to grad schemes/master’s programs! Just like internships, lots of grad schemes and master’s deadlines are in January, so these are a must on the to-do list.
Leisure:
- Make use of your freedom to travel! Being unburdened by classes and away from home brings a unique opportunity to explore and travel. Check out RyanAir, Expedia, EasyJet, Trainline, and even the Eurostar for cheap flights, hotels, and trains to new places. These can even be learning moments to enhance your understanding of your geography, environment, or history degree by visiting and immersing yourself in a new place.
- Pick up a hobby or new book! When you’re not completing coursework, you can still stimulate your mind with new things to learn.
- Enjoy winter! Take this time to appreciate the festive season with hot chocolate, ice skating, and snowy weather.
