Ways to Get Ahead Over Winter Break
It’s nearing the end of the semester - you’re probably juggling final projects and preparing for final exams. Don’t worry - winter break is right around the corner! Whether you’re spending the break on campus or returning home for the short break, you can use the time to get ahead for the semester.
Earn credits. Winter Session is short - which means classes are usually about 2-3 weeks long. Class size is also smaller which means you could have more personal attention from professors and get extra help. Online classes are also a valuable option for those home for the break. Enjoy all of the benefits of enrolling in winter classes from the comfort of your own home.
Study abroad. Take advantage of the time off by having an international experience WHILE earning credits! Students who may not be able to study abroad in the spring or fall will still be able to travel to another country during the break. Programs begin in January and give students a shortened international experience. Find information about winter break programs here.
Besides classes, there are a few ways to get organized before the spring semester starts up.
Plan out your next semester’s schedule. You’ve probably just registered for those classes, so this may seem tedious, but it’s extremely helpful to start jotting down those study times, shifts at work and any free time you may have into your planner. (Don’t forget to write down the date of next semester’s Career Fair - Wednesday, February 26) You may also want to check if your professor has posted their syllabus yet to see if there are important due dates throughout the semester.
Start hunting for a summer job or internship. Okay, so you may be thinking that this entirely too early, but the truth is that it’s better to start your job hunt before the semester begins. Tidy up your cover letter, resume or portfolio so that it’s in tip-top shape for when the time rolls around for you to start applying. During a full workload, it may be difficult to do your research on some interesting companies and other duties that involve the application process.
Apply for scholarships. Winter break is a great time to work on scholarship applications. Luckily, NJIT has made it easier for you to search for eligible scholarships thanks to Scholarship Universe, a new online portal intended to match students to opportunities through identifying scholarships based on your personal information, needs and eligibility. Check it out here.
REST! Soon, the full semester will pick back up again. It’s important to use this time to be productive but not over-exert yourself. You can also check out our important list of stress relief methods that may help you in your methods to restart before the semester picks up.