Congrats! You made it through fall semester alive and (hopefully) unscathed. After what felt like a much-too-short winter break, campus is back and bustling. Classes are brand new, meal points have been reset, and to top it all off, it’s zero degrees outside. How will anyone survive? Although we can’t fix the janky heating systems on the South 40, we can certainly try to answer some other burning questions. 

Didn’t get into any classes you wanted?

If someone told me they got into all of their top-choice classes, I would be very surprised (and, frankly, a little jealous). Although it might seem like the end of the world that you didn’t get into Intro to Cultural Anthropology, trust me: Most likely, it’s not. If you’re like me and only got into two of the classes you wanted, here are some potential strategies.

Now that the add/drop period is over, you’re unfortunately stuck with the classes you’ve got. Instead of freaking out, try to embrace your new classes, no matter how bored you were by the course description. New classes give you an opportunity to explore different academic fields, meet new professors, and experience different teaching styles. Be open to your classes, and maybe you’ll land a new major or minor, an academic mentor, or even just a friend. And hey — you can take Intro to Cultural Anthro next semester (and work with your advisor if there is something really specific you are dying to take). 

Still feeling like you haven’t “found your people”?

For first-years, it’s a rite of passage to reflect over winter break on all of the college relationships you’ve built over your first semester. It’s also a rite of passage to feel that you still don’t fully belong, or that you haven’t found your picture-perfect college-brochure friend group. That is normal.

Right around this time, all those cumbersome Bear Beginnings friend groups are starting to break off into smaller groups. If you haven’t found your perfect group, or if you just want to meet new people, fear not. Even though you might be feeling alone, you’re going through something that is incredibly common, and everyone is on the hunt for community.

Take advantage of the classes you’re in to meet new people. Talk to someone new on your residential-college floor. Try a different club. There is another Activities Fair on Jan. 24 — go grab a bunch of fliers, and get on new group email lists. You are not out of time; you have not missed your opportunity to make friends. Go up to someone and strike up a conversation. Odds are, they’re probably going through something similar and will be grateful that you took the social leap. Your college life is not set in stone after the first semester, and thank goodness for that!

Are you cold?

St. Louis winters are no joke. With crazy temperature fluctuations, you never know when you’ll have to wait for the shuttle in the frigid cold or sweat through the five layers that it seemed like you needed when it was two degrees in the morning. The easiest thing you can do to battle the winter cold is to learn how to layer properly.

First, start with a base layer — something like a light long-sleeve. Next, pair it with a sweatshirt, sweater, or fleece that acts as a middle layer between your shirt and your jacket. This will keep you warm both indoors and outdoors. Next, throw on your biggest puffer, parka, or trench coat. The bigger and more ridiculous you look, the better. Finally, protect your extremities! Hats, scarves, gloves, and socks are the most important step. Above all, you simply must prepare to be a little cold. That’s winter in the Midwest for you. 

Preemptive summer stress?

Did you find yourself doom-scrolling on LinkedIn over break? Did you write a whole application essay just to realize you were a day too late? Do all of your friends have jobs lined up? Internship season is looming, and with it comes a range of emotions.

You might be seeing some big company names tossed around in these conversations, and perhaps some prestigious fellowships. If you locked down one of those opportunities, congratulations! But if you didn’t, count yourself amongst the majority of people, and know that you’re not behind.

The truth is, all experiences are good experiences. Look for any work you can this summer. Maybe you commit to volunteering at an organization in your hometown. Maybe you snag an internship as an administrative assistant and learn the ropes of an office setting. Maybe you bartend, lifeguard, or work at a summer camp. There are valuable skills and lessons to be learned in all of these roles. They will all provide you with future talking points in interviews and bolster your resume. There’s no “right” way to spend a college summer — just plan on making the most of it, whatever you end up doing.