By Ania Melgar

It is not always easy for international students to go back home for the holidays.

It’s sometimes just too expensive to fly back home. If you are staying on campus during winter break, then this blog will help give you some ideas how to get the most out of your time off this winter!

Take Some Time to Relax and Focus on You

As a college student, finding some time to catch your breath can be pretty difficult, especially at the end of the semester, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Being on the move get us into the routine of rushing, going through the motions, and missing important moments. Taking time to clear our minds and relax gives us a chance to self-assess and get back to simple, enjoyable things – like quality time with friends or a good cup of coffee.

Although the campus will be pretty empty during the break, all of your local favorites on Dickson Street will still be open as usual, so grab a coffee or some hot apple cider on the Fayetteville Square, or go see a movie with some friends! It’s the best time to get cozy and enjoy the peace and quiet after the finals frenzy.

Life of Honors students in Hotz Hall Honors Dorm.

Clean Your Dorm or Apartment

Cleaning your room always make you feel so productive and good afterwards, and what better time to do some deep cleaning than winter break? Get rid of your old books and papers that you might not need anymore (remember that you can sell your old textbooks back to the Bookstore!), clear out your closets, scrub your floors, and make your personal space clean and shiny for a new year and semester!

Fitness Centers can be found in both the HPER Building and the Arkansas Union

Exercise!

During the break you should try to get as much exercise as you can! It may be difficult to exercise outdoors because of the cold, but the HPER and the UREC Fitness Center in the Arkansas Union are going to be open for the most part during the break. Or, you could also work out from home using YouTube videos or workout apps.

Do Some Sightseeing

You may have been too caught up in college life to get out and explore what Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas has to offer. Crystal Bridges is a must if you haven’t visited recently, especially with their new North Forest Lights outdoor exhibit which features light installations along a trail which features a cute bonfire area where visitors can enjoy some hot cocoa and snacks!

While you’re there, take a stroll through Bentonville since the town is hub of great restaurants, cafes, and shops! You can pop into the Walmart Museum to feel like you’ve been transported back in time and see how the store chain began!

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you should pay a visit to Markham & Fitz Chocolate in Bentonville, a chocolate shop founded by two University of Arkansas alumni. The chocolate shop offers tours and cooking classes, so you can invite some friends and have a great excuse to eat a ton of candy before you hit the gym at the HPER! 🙂

I hope you get lots of rest this winter break and let yourself have some fun, so you can start the new year recharged and ready to take on new challenges!