Finals. The worst couple weeks of the semester ARE FINALLY OVER! In the words of Andy Williams, "it's the most wonderful time of the year." So, here is a list of 15 things you can do now that finals are over during the most wonderful winter break of the year.
1. GO HOME!
Arguably one of the best parts of the semester ending. As great as IU is, you can't tell me that you don't miss sleeping in your own bed, showering without shower shoes, and eating home-cooked meals. (Las Vegas winters aren't too shabby either — hello, 60 degrees!)
2. Spend time with family & friends
They all missed you! Spend time watching holiday movies with them and catching up on all of their lives. Appreciate the time you get together, and make it count.
3. Sleep in...
Whether that means 10 a.m. or even 2 p.m. — you don't have to worry about waking up for class or turn in an assignment. Catch up on the hours you've lost during finals week!
4. ... and go to bed early...
Earlier to bed, more time to sleep!
5. ... OR stay up all night catching up on Netflix shows you've been neglecting
Scandal, I'm sorry I left you hanging halfway thru Season 5 Episode 8 — be back soon!
6. Eat ALL the home-cooked meals
Yes, it's great to have BuffaLouie's, Noodle & Company and Chipotle whenever you want in college. But some things just can't beat your mom's spaghetti or chicken parm.
7. Workout or try out a new exercise class
Something I really miss is my old gym back at home. It's so nice to come back and kill a couple week's worth of workouts and come back to school feeling great. If you don't know what type of exercise you like, try different ones out, like cycling, boxing or cross fit.
8. Christmas shop!
Retail therapy after some rough finals? Don't have to ask me twice.
9. Cuddle your pet
Dog? Cat? Chinchilla? (whatever floats your boat). Give them extra love, attention and snacks because they deserve it.
10. Close every study tab that's open in your browser
BEST. FEELING. EVER.
11. Scroll thru Insta, Twitter, & watch all the Buzzfeed "Tasty" videos you want without it being considered "procrastinating"
"6 Donut Recipes You Need To Try"? Tell me more...
12. Actually, try out a few Tasty recipes
Sometimes I wonder if these types of recipes just look good when the Tasty chefs execute them. But who knows? You might surprise yourself and turn out to be a culinary genius. (Possibly coming to an article near you soon...)
13. "Treat Yo-self" a little
It's the least you could do - you've put so much hard work into your final projects, sacrificed sleep, and had wayyy too much caffeine one person should ever intake. It can be as simple allowing yourself to have that big bowl of Truffle Mac 'n' Cheese [shoutout Noodles & Co] to having a spa day with your best friends. Take the time to relax and reward yourself a little.
14. Sell textbooks from this semester
Make it rain.
15. Clean up the *insert caffeine source of choice* bottles, cans cups, etc. all over your desk from the cram sessions
Think of it as "Finals Cleaning" week. De-clutter your desk by throwing out scratch paper, study guides, practice tests, and all the used Keurig cups...
*15. [bonus] Take a sigh of relief
You just spent the last two weeks grinding through papers, projects, and tests. You gave it your all, and now you can finally relax for a few weeks. Congrats! One semester down :)
