Winter break is great. It gives us time to be lazy, to sleep in way later than we should, to binge watch Netflix shows, and to be basically of no value to society at all. But then once a couple weeks roll around, we realize our time getting served dinner and being able to lie around all day has come to an end. We have to go back to college.

The truth is, college is awesome. But it can be hard to adjust back to independent living after being back where everything is familiar. However, there are some simple steps to get back on track and enjoy what the next semester has to offer.

Follow these steps to help with getting adjusted to this new time in your college experience.

1. Get Out There

Sometimes when we get upset about things not being familiar, we hide in our rooms and sulk. We expect others to feel bad for us, but we have to realize that we are as happy as we choose to be. No matter the circumstances. If we are staying in our dorm room, we will never meet new people, and these new people will never have a chance to meet us. It is important to find a community in college, because truth is, there are some incredible people out there that you still have yet to meet.

Whether you are hopping back into a community you loved first semester, or you want to try something new for the next semester, putting yourself out there will reap rewards and make you feel at home in no time.

2. Get Passionate

College is an amazing time to find what you love and to go after it. Is that nonprofit management? Is that education? Maybe even medically taking care of others? Whatever it is, don't waste another second until you start chasing what you were made for. If you don't know what you want to do, take some time to do some soul searching. Pick three careers you are considering and call people to make informational interviews, and this will tell you more about what you were meant for than you think. Sometimes we have to be exposed to what we don't like to figure out what we do like.

Above all, do what you love. The key is the actual doing aspect, not just thinking about it. College is a time to pursue what you love, and you should be grateful you even have the opportunity to do so.

3. Stay Healthy

Take good care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep (even if that means taking a few 15 minute naps a couple of times a day). Find a workout buddy and go to the gym every other day, or find a workout buddy at the gym. You can also join an intramural sport, which is a great detox from the stress of school and a great way to meet new faces.

This next semester is going to offer you some great things, and it is up to you to see the positive in this next adventure in your life. After you get into your mojo, learn to know what you love, and meet some incredible friends along the way, you'll be dreading the day you'll have to leave your wonderful life at college in the first place.