Best Ways to Prepare for College Winter Breaks

Tips for Finances, Classes, Dorm Rooms, and Homework

Nov 5, 2009

Winter break for college students means relaxing and taking time away from classes. With some planning, returning won't have to be as difficult if a student is organized.

The end of the first term can be hectic for college students. With final exams, scheduling for next term's classes, and making sure tuition bills are paid, there are a lot of things on every college student's mind.

However, early preparation is key to making sure that a college student can relax over the winter vacation. By making sure everything is settled in four key areas, college students can finish the term with ease and look forward to a stress-free vacation.

If a student has not taken care of this before the beginning of the academic year, then taking time to stop by the business or bursar's office to check account balances can prevent major headaches over the winter vacation. Spending five to ten minutes in the office and finding out about any fees or balances that need to be paid now can also help reduce the shock of a bill in the mail over vacation.

If a student can't afford the balance owed to the college or university, scheduling an appointment with the financial aid office should be a top priority before leaving campus. Financial aid counselors may be able to find additional federal or institutional aid, provide a student with emergency loan information, or alter the terms of a student's Stafford Loan promissory note to help cover the expenses of the remaining terms of the academic year.

Registering for Classes

Before a student leaves, making sure the next semester class schedule is in order will prevent major headaches during the first week of classes. Checking the student's class schedule with the school's registrar's office or through an online scheduling program now will save confusion and worry later.

If a student is in danger of failing a necessary class, or if the student knows that the course will have to be repeated, it is best to try to retake the class as soon as possible. If there is room in the next term's schedule, make the necessary adjustments to retake the class the following term. Doing so will keep the material that was learned in mind, while also remembering a student's weaknesses and addressing them earlier in the course.

If a student needs to add or drop a class, make sure it is taken care of before leaving campus. By doing so, the shock of surprise course fees or the process of trying to get a refund will be eliminated. Making sure schedules are finalized as soon as possible can get rid of additional stress while adjusting to a new course schedule.

Dorm Rooms and Moving Out

Staying on campus for the extra afternoon or evening to make sure the dorm room is clean will eliminate a lot of stress upon the student's return. Many universities and colleges have strict rules for vacation housing, and students with exceptionally messy or dirty rooms may face fines or judicial action.

In addition, making everything organized and clean, on top of following residence life procedures will help make the transition into a new semester easier, since students will know where everything is.

Homework and Studying for Finals

Before the final exams for each class, contact professors to make sure that all of the student's assignments have been turned in and accounted for. If any are missing, check the course syllabus for the professor's policy on late work and, if at all possible, turn in any late or due assignments prior to the final exam period.

Some schools even have a "sudden death" time period, where any and all missing assignments can be turned in for all courses for a fraction of the credit. If a student's school or major department offers this option, take advantage to avoid having to repeat a course.

Come up with a flexible but practical studying schedule. Following the rule of three hours of studying per class credit hour can help a student fit in enough study time, if the student plans ahead. Do not trying cramming for final exams, as there is often more information on the exam than can be absorbed in a couple of hours.

With a little planning and organization, preparing for a college winter break can eliminate a lot of stress by making sure that everything is caught up prior to leaving campus. If students have questions as to how to better prepare for the vacation academically or financially, they should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor as soon as possible.

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