Winter break: the time of kicking back, unwrapping presents, sleeping in, and not thinking about one darn school-related thing. Or is it? More and more, students are finding that picking up some college credits during their winter holiday can really help them toward their college goals (read: graduating). We've got some solid points to back that up, and we think that once you hear them, you'll be lining up for winter break courses that will help you sled toward your next "A" grade faster than a cafeteria tray down a choice campus hill.
1. You can make more time.
Your college course catalog probably has a million and one amazing classes to take, but you only have so much available time in your course schedule. You may also be chomping at the bit to start your career. If you take courses between the fall and spring semesters, you can make and save time to satisfy both these desires. Get that required math class out of the way during the winter break, and you have time for that screenwriting elective that's caught your eye. Get enough extra course credits out of the way, and you could be setting yourself up to graduate early, and get to work, easy peasy. So go ahead, you productive student, you—get to class!
2. You can give a difficult subject the time that it needs.
Let's face it: Some classes are a little bit harder than others, and sometimes you have to take them. So wouldn’t it be nice to have a space of time when one difficult course is the only one you have to take? It's so much easier to take a challenging course individually than to juggle it with all your other responsibilities. So go ahead. Flip through that winter intersession course catalog, and make it easier to get that A+. You deserve it.
3. You can make up for lost—wait for it—time.
Sensing a theme yet? College is all about time management...and, occasionally, mismanaging your time to learn the things—or have the experiences—you'll carry with you way past graduation. So we get it if you passed on Psych 101 to take History of Pop Music with your favorite professor. But if that psychology course is a requirement, you're going to have to make it up sooner or later. Enter winter break. It's the perfect time to dot your academic "i"s and cross those "t"s, and to make sure you can pursue the things you want to pursue in college, without feeling bad about it later.
4. You can learn in your happy place.
Nope, it's not all about time—taking winter courses is about comfort, too! You probably love your campus, so of course you'll be able to find courses located there. But what if all you want to do is get that lecture listened to online, while in your favorite cozy chair at home, with hot chocolate on one side and some cookies on the other? You're in luck, because plenty of classes are available online during winter intersessions. The possibilities are endless, and comfortable to boot.
5. In case you missed it: You'll have more time (and much less stress).
The average semester has a lot going on. If you free up that schedule by taking a class over winter break, not only do you have all that time we were talking about before, you could see a dramatic decrease in stress. With one less class to take in the spring, your workload goes from four personal response essays to three, or two weekly quizzes to one. You'll have more time to visit professors during their office hours if you need them, or finish your homework a little earlier and a take a deep, satisfied breath. That's the peace of mind that comes with a little winter coursework.
Who wouldn't want to give winter intersession courses a try? Fairfield University offers over 30 accelerated courses to its students over the winter break, with ranging disciplines such as history, anthropology, marketing, biology, communications, and so much more. ‘Sled Ahead’ registration for online classes opens on December 19 and for one week intensive classes on January 4. Stags can take advantage of this great opportunity to put themselves and their studies first this holiday season by clicking below.
