Here in Minnesota, there are only a number of weeks remaining till winter break. Classes are coming to a close, finals week is slowly creeping up behind the corner, but all of it will be worth it one winter break comes to save our minds from the stress and anxiety that endless hours of classwork can cause. To the average college student, winter break is considered a paradise. Daydreams of limited responsibilities and endless naps to recover from finals week fills college students heads from the time Thanksgiving break is over.

Sadly, those daydreams are not even close to the reality of winter break.

Over the past two years of going home for break from college, breaks are not what students expect them to be. As much as we would hate to admit it, breaks are often just as busy as when we are in school. But instead of cramming our time with essays, projects, and worksheets, our time is filled with a magnitude of socializing, working and housework. In order for college students to take advantage of their time spent at home, balance is key. Adjust to break life as soon as possible by finding balance between all aspects of your life to make the most out of your break.

Spend as much time with your family as possible.

Your family is your number one support group. Having you not in the house for a whole semester, or even a couple weeks, they want to see you. Plus, home-cooked family meals at the table always beats out dining hall food.

Catch up with hometown friends.

Haven't seen your best friend since you left for college? Be sure to catch up and hang out with them! Meet them for coffee, go see a movie, take a roadtrip. They are probably interested in how life has been, how you have changed and grown and the hilariously (embarrassing) stories that you have.

Make some moo-lah with a winter break job.

Let's admit it. You may or may not have spent over $20 a week just on pizza, popcorn or ice-cream throughout the past semester. Don't fret, it's normal. However, your bank account may need a little help when it comes to buying next semesters books.

You have gone through countless hours sitting at the library, chugging gallons upon gallons of coffee to stay away past 1 a.m. to study for your finals, and attended classes at 8 a.m. for the past four months. You deserve a break. Whether that be making up for lost sleep, treating yourself to a trip to you favorite hometown coffee shop, or even going out on a walk. Anything to be able to reward yourself for the hard work you've put in.

Prepare for next semester.

Sadly, winter break can't last forever. January will come, spring semester will arrive, and classes will have to start again. During winter break, be sure to buy all the necessary refills on school supplies, dorm snacks, hygiene supplies and, if you're like me, any last minute trips to Target runs before returning to your college in the middle of no-where.

So take advantage of winter break while you still can, spring semester is going to come faster than you think.