After winter break is over, it’s easy to become bored after a while if you’re stuck inside with nothing to do. However, even if some of your normal activities are still on pause, there’s plenty you can do to stay busy and make the most of the winter. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Have a Movie Marathon
Pick a couple of favourite winter-themed movies or look for new releases on streaming services and settle down in front of the TV for a few hours. This is a great activity to enjoy with your friends or alone, especially if you have plenty of snacks and some hot chocolate.
2. Go Ice Skating with Friends
Make sure you stay active over the winter by finding activities that involve exercise. A great choice is ice skating, as it’s only available outdoors during the coldest months. Find out if any events are taking place at your local rink — for instance, you may be able to skate for free on some nights if you show your student ID.
3. Host a Party
Host a party in your apartment. You may prefer a small gathering just to catch up after winter break or a big party with karaoke and dancing.
4. Go for a Drive
A fun way to spend time out of the house without getting too cold is to go for a drive just to explore what’s around. You may discover new places nearby that you never knew existed, such as hiking spots, restaurants, or interesting towns around the outskirts of the city. Make a note of anywhere you’d like to return to.
5. Give Back to Your Community
Winter can be a time of year when people struggle the most financially. Search for opportunities to volunteer through campus organizations or in your wider community. You may be able to join a fundraiser, or you could start your own effort to collect items for a good cause.
6. Take a Ski Trip
Find out if a day or weekend ski trip would be in your budget, making sure to account for any equipment you need to rent. Head to your nearest ski resort and hit the slopes. Even if you’re a beginner and need to stick to the easiest routes, you should find skiing gives you quite an adrenaline rush.
7. Go Sledding
If skiing is too expensive, a fun alternative is sledding. You can make your own sled out of materials you find lying around. Then, go to the nearest park that has a snow-covered hill — the steeper, the better.
8. Bake Cookies
It’s a long-standing tradition to bake cookies during the winter. If a family member always bakes delicious cookies, ask for the recipe. Otherwise, find out how to make some of your favourites, perhaps giving them your own personal twist. Bake a large batch and you’ll be able to give several to each of your friends or share them at events like club meetings.
9. Learn to Cook a New Dish
Try cooking a dish that takes you a little out of your comfort zone. To show off your skills, invite a couple friends over for dinner or even host a potluck.
Another ideal activity for winter is to think about how you could improve your housing situation in the new year. Use your free time to search for a room for rent — Ottawa, Ontario, has plenty at THEO. You can choose between a private room, shared room, or entire apartment to yourself. Apply now to secure the floor plan you want.