10 Ways to Stay Busy over Break

After being busy with classes all term and having loads of homework and other obligations, the amount of free time you may have available during break may make you a little stir-crazy. Here are ten ideas to help fill that extra time you have during that much needed break.

1. Enjoy the family. Some of you have been away from the home for quite some time now and may be getting a little homesick. You gotta love being able to get home-cooked meals again. Your family misses you when you go off to college, so be sure to spend some time catching up over winter break. Have a younger sibling back at home? Catch a movie together or play a board game.


2. Read a book. Indulge yourself into a new book. This will keep you busy and keep your mind fresh and thinking.
   
   Resources:
   30 books everyone should read before their 30th birthday
   100 must read books
   20 books everyone should read


3. Take a vacation. Somewhere warm. Free your mind. Yes your budget may be tight, but you deserve it. This is even better when combined with #1 and #8.


4. Look for internships. Now that you have a little down time, this is the perfect opportunity to start working toward some kind of career. The internship may be unpaid, but you'll get valuable experience that you'll need. You have to start somewhere, and its a great way to get your foot in the door.
   
   Resources:
   How to Find an Internship
   Recommended Internship Programs
   Top 50 Internships
   Summer Internships


5. Work. Whether you already have a part-time job or are returning to an old job you previously had, the extra time you have available is the perfect time to pick up some extra hours. The extra cash will come in handy.
   
   Resources:
   8 Top Paying Part-Time Jobs for Students
   CollegeHelpers.com


6. Study. Yes it may sound lame, but this could be a perfect opportunity to get ahead in the classes you are taking once you return to school. This way you will be ready to participate in discussion on day one of class and really stand out as a good student.


7. Catch up on movies. Hey, its called a break for a reason making a great time for a little down time. Its alright to be a little lazy, you've worked hard all term.
   
   Resources:
   Top 10 College Movies of All-Time
   Top 100 Movies for the College Crowd
   10 Films Guaranteed to Blow your Mind
   5 Movies You Haven’t Seen, But Need to


8. Reconnect with old friends. Its good to stay in contact with your old friends. Get together and meet for coffee. Its important to keep these connections.


9. Take an online class. While you are on break, you should be able to squeeze in an online class and use it as credit toward your major. The good thing here is you can still go back home for break and still be working toward your degree.
   
   Search for available online classes


10. Volunteer. You may not have money to give to charity, but you can always donate your time. Plus you can add the experience to your resume or use it to bolster your list of extracurricular activities.
    
    Resources:
    How to Volunteer
    10 Volunteer Opportunities for Free Travel
    20 Ways for Teens to Volunteer
    More Volunteering Resources