1. Bailey's in your coffee

There's nothing quite like walking to your last final, feeling a little flushed in the face from the shot of Bailey's you so generously poured into your coffee. Bailey's is a quintessential Christmas drink. It is sweet, perfect in coffee, hot chocolate, or on the rocks, and now comes in peppermint flavor for anyone who wishes they were in the North Pole this holiday season.

2. Dollar Store Decor

I love Christmas decorations, but they are fiendishly expensive this time of year as the corporate world tries to make money from such a sacred family holiday. However, the Dollar Store is here to save your ass. I decorated my entire apartment (with style) with just $15! No need to break the bank.

3. Mulled wine before noon

If you woke up to the thought that your Christmas shopping is going to empty your bank account and crush your Spring Break dreams today, have a glass of mulled wine before noon. It is the only thing that calms me down during the holiday season. FYI, mulled wine consists of dry red wine, an orange, brandy, honey, cinnamon and star anise (and I like to add nutmeg too).

4. Make the presents

I figured out a way to go to Cabo and get great gifts for my family. Get creative and make the presents, as something with thought goes a very long way. If you're not an artist or a craft enthusiast, then pay a friend to make the presents for you and guaranteed- it will be cheaper than going shopping.

5. Trader Joe's goodies

Trader Joe's saved me this College Christmas. I love having wintery snacks around the house - little chocolates, mints, edible advent calendars. Trader Joe's created packs of all of these things for just 99 cents! They also sell gingerbread house kits and seasonal frozen meals for when you don't feel like cooking, but are missing eating anything but microwavable noodle soup.

6. Dream of Mum's winter stew

The only thing that keeps me going through finals is my Mum's Winter stew. Let's be real, you're never going to match up to her standards, so just wait until you're home and don't ruin the memory of this classic dish by trying to make it in your college apartment, and setting off all the smoke alarms and burning your favourite pan to a crisp.