Welcome back to the world of work, exams, papers, and anything else associated with being back at school. Winter break, hopefully, was relaxing and fun. Maybe you spent time with friends and family, or perhaps binge-watched a show on Netflix/ Whatever the case was, it is over now. You have returned to your tiny dorm room and even worse, to dining hall food. It is cold out, possibly even snowing, and many of us are anxiously counting down the days until summer.

Despite all of the above, there are many good things about being back at school. We can hang out with friends 24/7, which is almost always fun! We are taking new classes, which could mean making new friends or learning something interesting.

This semester could be the best one yet if we just open ourselves up a little more! Here are some tips and ideas to make the most out of the next few months leading up to summer:

1. Stay Organized

Whether you use a planner or your phone, it is important to set goals and stick to them. If you focus and work hard, the semester may just fly by.

2. Try New Things

Maybe there is a restaurant you have never been to or a yoga class you’ve thought about attending. Whatever it is, try it! You never know, you might become a regular.

3. Plan a night in or out with friends

In college, you are constantly with your friends, but when have you ever actually made a plan in advance? Try scheduling a movie night or a dinner off-campus

4. Re-decorate your dorm room

We’ve all heard the saying “New year, new you” well how about new semester, new dorm? Okay, well that doesn’t have the same ring, but try to switch up your setup!

5. Enjoy it all!

Whatever you do, try to live in the moment and enjoy it. We won’t be in college forever, so let’s not take for granted the time we do have. Make some memories and have fun!