Coming back from winter break can be difficult to adjust to. Maybe you want to be at home sipping on hot chocolate instead of doing homework. Or perhaps you are still suffering from jet lag and readjusting to the time zones. Whatever the case, it’s back-to-school time. Get ready for a fresh start with new opportunities! Here are some tips and tricks to get back into the rhythm.
Set clear goals
Establish both short-term and long-term goals to keep yourself motivated. You could first reflect on your previous semester’s highs and lows. What went well? What could have gone better? What should be your focus this semester? Then, create achievable and realistic goals, like attending more office hours or having a more consistent sleep schedule. To not feel overwhelmed, you should start with small, manageable tasks before working on long-term goals. Just remember, building strong routines takes time, so don’t panic if you aren’t immediately on top of it.
Explore Hoboken
Even with the snow piling up and the frosty wind, Hoboken is buzzing with plenty to do. Take a walk around places you haven’t been in before. Try out a restaurant that you have been eyeing since last semester. Check out The Hoboken Girl for fun activities and events scattered around Hoboken. They have a frequently updated calendar with activities ranging from yoga, comedy clubs, rock shows, photo pop-ups, and more. Another source is HobokenNow! with their website of featured events like bingo, trivia, nature programs, dance parties, and art houses.
Stay healthy
While winter break may be gone, the winter blues are here to stay. The shorter and darker winter days can lead to low moods, low motivation, and fatigue. Remember to take care of yourself through staying active, eating a balanced diet, being hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Because of the lack of sunlight, it’s crucial to soak up any sun you can. Go outside more or sit near sunlit windows for one or two hours. Being in the sunlight helps increase melatonin production and vitamin D, which can result in a better emotional state.
Find new opportunities
As the saying goes, new year, new you! A new semester means more opportunities to discover! Make an effort to check out DuckLink and try something you haven’t tried before, or find a new club to expand your social circle. (You should totally come to The Stute GBMs, I promise they are loads of fun. Pick up an article or two, I’m enjoying writing this one.) Go to one of the many study abroad events to research which countries to study in and potential providers. If you are a freshman wondering about housing, attend an information session about housing in the towers. If you are looking for outside housing, start exploring places to rent in Hoboken or Jersey City. Another option is Hudson Dorms, which is run by Stevens graduates.
Reconnect with friends
Before college starts to get too intense, you should go hang out with your friends. Share stories about winter break, go grab a drink, or just enjoy each other’s company. Some fun winter-themed activities include creating the best hot chocolate, having winter picnics, going on snow-covered hikes, or bundling up together to watch movies. Having a strong support system can improve your emotional well-being and make college seem a little less challenging.
Wherever your year takes you, make it an unforgettable one! There are only so many semesters left in college to enjoy, so make each semester more memorable than the last. You survived last semester, I know that you can survive (and thrive) for this one!
