Most colleges have roughly the same schedule when it comes to giving students time off. Most of them operate under the two semesters, tri-semester, or even quarterly schedule. It’s mostly the same for colleges that have two semesters. There may be a different number of days, but they’re basically the same across the board.

Winter Break at my college is just under a month long. If you’re coming into your college’s end-of-semester break, and you’re not working or fortunate enough to travel, what are you supposed to do?

Maybe you’ll get a few ideas from what I like to do and enjoy the most. When Thiel’s in session, I’m lucky if I can leisure read for a half-hour a day. If you’re bored, maybe pick up a good book you haven’t read yet, or even start a new one and try downing it before the break’s over (very doable when you have more than three weeks of no tests or other stressors).

If you’re fortunate enough to still live in the same hometown as your friends, then maybe try catching up with them. I recently moved out of my hometown after 22 years, so my friends – those of whom haven’t moved away – are still there. If you’re not separated by at least an hour, give them a call or shoot them a text. I’m sure they’d be happy to see you, especially if you’ve known them all their lives like I have with my friends.

When was the last time you spent time with your parents or the rest of your family? I’m talking about actually sitting down with them for some quality time. This doesn’t mean seeing your grandma and favorite aunt at Easter and calling it a day. That was more than six months ago. My parents and I still love making popcorn, lowering the lights, and watching movies together. It might not be a bad idea, especially if you’re from Cali and going to college in Pennsylvania. Odds are strong you haven’t seen them in a long time.

If you enjoy Netflix, maybe catch up on the shows you’re behind on. I was so busy last semester that it took me until spring break to watch the latest season of House of Cards. My friends and I love that show, and it premiers the latest season in February. There isn’t anything wrong with not going anything but staying warm underneath the covers and watching your favorite shows for a day… or two… or five.

The point of the ideas above is that you worked hard all semester. Whether or not you got the grades you wanted, if you’re going onto the next semester, you deserve to relax. Be sure to make the most of it, because you’re going to be nice and busy in about three weeks.