How to make the most of the Christmas break

Emma Seton·4 December 2020·5 min read
How to make the most of the Christmas break

The long-awaited Christmas break is finally here. With the extra pressures on students this year, to adapt to online learning and to complete their assignments under the additional strain of the pandemic, many students will likely be looking forward to some much-needed time off. With a full month ahead of living back at home and returning to home comforts, deadlines will probably be the last thing on your mind.

During the Christmas season, many students often struggle to balance a well-deserved break with the looming January deadlines, at AFS we’ve compiled some tips and tricks that’ll help you make the most of your time off this Christmas.

Get tested before you travel:

First and foremost, make sure you’ve had a COVID_19 test before you travel home. Many universities are offering free tests to students who are travelling home during the travel window. The best way to get tested is to take two tests, three days apart. If you still need to get tested, you can head over to your university website to find out more information.

Take time off:

Relaxation is vital. First semester is always intense, and especially this year with online learning. It is paramount that you take some time away from your studies to recharge your batteries and prepare yourself for next semester. Take some time to watch your favourite Christmas films, go Christmas shopping or spend some time with loved ones. Take some time away from your desk.

Keep in touch with your course friends:

As many university courses have been delivered through either online or blended learning this year, it is important to stay connected with the other people on your course. Perhaps you might want to organise a zoom call or a quiz to do over the break, to make sure you’re all staying connected. This is also a great way to make sure you’re all on the same page. You can discuss how you’re getting on with your work, and make sure you all know when your deadlines are. Learning from one another is a great blend between catching up with friends and doing some revision.

Set yourself targets:

More than likely you’ll have work to do over the Christmas break, but try not to let that work consume you. By setting yourself targets you can make sure that you’re staying on top of your assignments while also making time for yourself. The targets you set might not all be university related, you might want to set some targets that involve getting Christmas presents or getting the wrapping done.

Keep a routine:

If you’re going home for the next month, it’s a good idea to get yourself into a routine. Even if this involves watching your favourite Netflix show every day, getting yourself into a routine can help you feel more relaxed as you settle back into your family home.

Organise your space:

It’s easy to just live out of your suitcase for a whole month, but this will likely make for a chaotic environment. Try and get yourself organised, unpack and make your space feel a little more homely. Maybe even put up a few Christmas decorations in your bedroom. It is also a good idea to make sure your desk space is organised. If you’re working in your bedroom for the next month, give yourself some time to organise this environment so that it is a peaceful place to work.

Make plans in advance:

If your planning to meet up with friends, try and schedule this in prior to the event. This way you can work your social life around your assignments and your time for relaxation. Some students can become overwhelmed as they return home for Christmas and try to juggle their social calendar with their academic pressures. Making plans in advance can help you to schedule your time in a way that suits you.

The Christmas break should be a time for you to enjoy yourself and to take a step back from university life. Although it is important to consider your deadlines, make sure that you use this break as best you can and that you make some time to relax.