Managing Academics Over Winter Break

1) Download the “January 2024 Work + Fun” calendar

Staying organized starts with a calendar! Maybe you are planning to take a class or study over winter session, or maybe you need to catch up on some fall course work. LSC’s “January 2024 Work + Fun” calendar can help you make a plan that lets you get your work done AND take a well-deserved break!

1) Build a calendar to plan your winter session

Staying organized starts with a calendar! Maybe you are planning to take a class or study over winter session, or maybe you need to catch up on some fall course work. Check out the LSC’s tips for managing your time, then set up a calendar that will let you get your work done and set aside time to rest, relax, and enjoy a well-deserved break.

2) Explore ideas to take care of yourself and have fun 

Taking care of yourself means having some fun, which can also help you study and focus better. Be sure to plan in activities like exercise, hanging out with friends and family, watching TV, gaming, and doing things that bring you joy.  

Want some great ideas about taking care of yourself, and how to have effective study breaks? Check out Cornell Health’s resources: https://health.cornell.edu/about/news/study-breaks-stress-busters and https://mentalhealth.cornell.edu/self-care/self-care-practices 

3) Figure out your study space (where you will get work done)

Organize your space: If you are taking an online class, you will need to carve out a physical space to do your remote learning. It might be challenging to find a spot at home that’s private, quiet, and has internet access. What are some things to consider?

  • Find a quiet space (and negotiate with your family or roommates to help keep it a quiet space!).
  • Before class starts, see if you can create a study space that is effective for learning. Though it can be tempting to just work from your bed or the couch, having a dedicated workspace that’s different than your lounging space can make both work and relaxation more productive.
  • Stay organized! Get a file organizer for paper files and take some time to clean up your desktop and electronic files.

4) Find others to study with

Peer pressure doesn’t have to be a bad thing! In order to harness positive peer pressure, study with a friend, get a study partner, or maybe even recruit a younger sibling or friend who’s still in high school.

5) If you are taking a Winter Session class

Check our the LSC resources on “Learning Online



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