For most college students across the country, the semester is ending in the next few weeks. Classes are finishing up, while finals are ominously looming. Final projects are wrapping up, whether nicely or stressfully and procrastinated, and studying for hours on end is almost a requirement. While the work may be harder or not harder than normal, school and classes feel a lot more difficult. Why? The End-of-Semester Drag. It’s real and very prominent right now. It’s defined as the time from after Thanksgiving, where we are thrown into the Christmas spirit and teased with the routine of not having classes, and then it’s snatched away for a mere few weeks until winter break finally starts. It’s difficult. The temperatures get colder and our motivation lags. How can we overcome this?

Make a Schedule of Assignments and Stick to It

With motivation down, a schedule can help you realize your assignments and keep you productive. It helps battle the procrastination you’re probably feeling right now. When you have things written down, they’re less likely to seem as scary.

Drink Coffee

Coffee can help with motivation and energy too. A nice Starbucks frap can also be used as a reward for some hours in the library. Remember, though, water is required too. Staying hydrated gives you more energy and makes you feel better all around.

Go See a Movie

There are a bunch of new movies coming out around the holidays, so take a break during an afternoon and go see one. Movies are cheaper during the day, so spend a few bucks to take a two-hour break from the outside world. Netflix is also a cheap option. Snuggle in with a few friends and some hot chocolate to binge watch Christmas movies that get you more in the spirit.

Take a Road Trip

Utilize all your weekend time to have fun with friends before the break separates you for a month or two. Pittsburgh is about an hour from my college, so we usually take a trip during the end of the fall semester to ice skate in the city. It’s something to look forward to other than break that really helps to get us through.

Decorate your Dorm

While it’s a bit of a distraction from real work, Christmas decorations in your living space will make you more ready for the break. It’ll make your space seem more homey, which may up your motivation to finish the semester strong.

Remember to Cherish Your Time

Although you may want to rush through your time in college now, in a few years, you might look back and wish you didn’t rush through your time. Even though it may only be a few weeks, it is your time now to make memories with friends that can last you a lifetime. Don’t rush it. Christmas comes every year, but your college years only last for so long.