By Ela Jalil

Many University of Maryland students are breathing a sigh of relief after finals have ended. No more dining hall food, communal showers and walking up Stamp Hill to get from place to place for the next five weeks. 

But this also leaves a large block of time to fill, and the transition away from fast-paced college life can be difficult for a lot of students. Here are some ways to entertain yourself over break – from things that can be done from the comfort of your home to taking you across the world. 

Find a project

Finding a creative outlet is the perfect way to occupy your time, and can be anything from picking up a new hobby like playing an instrument, or deciding to learn to make a new dish each week. These projects not only help develop hobbies, but give similar satisfaction to when an assignment is completed. 

For sophomore computer science major Tiffany Lu, crocheting is a calming exercise after a stressful semester. She started last winter break, and looks forward to continuing the tradition this year as it was difficult to keep up with crocheting during school. She’s challenging herself with a new project this break – a small bag with a bubble pattern. 

“It is very cute because it gives off coquette [vibes] which I’m really into,” Lu said. The pattern is a bit difficult since it’s not following a regular stitch but I like the challenge.”

Watch your favorite movies

The mass appeal of “Barbie” this summer was a large indicator that the movies are back and better than ever. With new rom-com releases to whimsical remakes like “Willy Wonka” the theater promises hours of entertainment. 

But there’s also plenty to enjoy at home – sophomore public health major Rehema Ngobu has a list of movies that she plans on watching over break, along with rewatching her current favorite movie “Dune.”

“When I’m at school, I don’t really have time or the relaxed brain space to watch anything because I’m so preoccupied, so I also love winter break because it lets me catch up on shows and movies that I didn’t get a chance to watch all throughout the semester,” Ngobu said. 

Travel 

It is important to note that traveling is not something that is accessible to all students. But for the ones that do have the opportunity to go – getting a break from the usual to explore something new is always a fun experience. 

UMD offers a program called Alternative Breaks, which gives students the opportunity to travel to different locations while engaging in leadership and civic activities. Freshman biology major Taiwo Omisore is heading to Blue Springs, Florida where she will be learning about manatees and wildlife conservation. 

“I liked the location, and I thought it would be cool to experience what it is like living in the wildlife…” Omisore said. 

This break will likely go by quickly, proving it to be important for students to have a fun and relaxing time before the spring semester starts. 

“I think the length of UMD’s break is long enough, because we need time to recharge,” freshman government and politics and secondary education double major Daniela Cornejo said. 

Featured Image: Freshman Taiwo Omisore will be heading to Florida this winter break to learn about manatees. Photo by Ela Jalil.