Mindset

While the darkness of winter can feel bleak, there are silver linings. The winter solstice, that shortest day of the year, was over a month ago. Take note of the days growing longer. Pretty soon you will be waking up to bright sunshine again! 

Experience the quiet serenity of nature during or after a snowfall. Don’t let Herky build all the snowmen on the Pentacrest, grab some friends and build one of your own!

Mindset is important for academic success as well as personal happiness. Explore how to utilize a positive mindset for academic success from the Office of Student Learning. 

Seek support

While a mindset shift helps, there are times anyone can benefit from seeking support. UI has many resources to help us cope during difficult times or when. The University Counseling Center offers a Hope Box for students.

Get enough sleep

We can all feel a bit sluggish in the winter due to the limited light. Shortening our sleep hours will only make things worse. A good night’s sleep followed by a brisk walk to class in the cold air will give you the energy you need to get through your day.

Learn more about why sleep is important and tips on getting the best of it from the University Counseling Center.

Be Social

Don’t hide away from the winter cold but embrace it like a far northerner. Find a park with a fire pit or charcoal grill, or a restaurant with outdoor heating. Gather your friends and enjoy a hot drink. There is a saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” The key is to dress for winter, so you are warm enough. This keeps you socially engaged and provides a respite from the hard work of college and extracurriculars.

Find some YOU time

Studying, work, volunteering, and other extracurricular activities can keep us very busy. It is helpful to carve out some time to indulge yourself in something you enjoy. This can be a hobby, like gaming or streaming, attending a sporting event, or reading a good book. 

Do you enjoy creative endeavors, social settings, or physical activity? Find something for yourself that helps you unwind and turn off from the work you do every day. This helps you recharge, keep your balance, and avoid burnout.

Get Involved and Connected on campus

Find an experience or opportunity connected to your interests, your major or career goals. 

• Talk to your academic advisor about ways of connecting with your academic department.
• CLAS is always looking for students interested in becoming a Student Ambassador, representing their departments and college to prospective students.
• There are many avenues of involvement on campus, a great place to start exploring is at the Student Engagement webpage. Meet with an Engagement Advisor if you aren’t sure where to start or what organization may be your best fit.
• MyCareerPath recommends career development activities and tracks progress toward career milestones.
• The Office of Undergraduate Research has student ambassadors who can help you find a lab that fits your interests and goals.