With the last papers submitted and finals taken, a college student's favorite time of year has finally arrived: winter break. As a high schooler, I never quite understood the allure of college winter break or why it necessitated an entire month away from school. Wasn't college supposed to be the best four years of my life? At least, that's what I had expected, based on things I had heard from every older relative or friend who had been through it all. It wasn't until I got to college that I realized how incredibly draining and mind-numbing a single semester can be. For that reason, I finally understood the importance of a long winter break.

However, within the first few days of break, boredom quickly sets in. Once we've been re-acquainted with home friends, exhausted our entire Netflix queues, and caught up on all the hours of missed sleep, the days seem to move at a stagnant pace. Rather than counting down the days until our return to school, consider one of these options in order to keep busy over the break.

1. Self-improvement

Break is the time when you have minimal obligations to uphold; why not focus on your health? Whether this means cleaning up your diet, getting back to the gym, or just focusing on mental health, why not get a head start on what most people will set as their New Year's resolution?

2. Be a tourist in your hometown

We often become so enamored with our surroundings at college that we forget how great things are in our own backyard. Take a day to do some sightseeing or learn about the history of your town.

3. Get creative

Sometimes, one of the best forms of stress relief can come from exploring a side that remains untouched during the school semester. If you lack creativity like I do, a coloring book is a solid outlet that is simple yet soothing. For those willing to put in more work, start planning a project or work on some personal writing.

4. Volunteer

Something that is sometimes pushed aside during the semester, volunteering is a great opportunity to keep yourself busy while also doing something worthwhile. Especially around the holiday season, there are multiple ways for students to get involved.

5. Finish everything you started

If all else fails, take the month you have off to do yourself a favor and get the rest of your life in order. Whether this means updating resumes, applying for that internship, or even just cleaning out your room, it's always refreshing to start a new semester knowing that everything has been checked off your list from the previous one.