Unlike most colleges and universities, Union has a six week long winter break. This year, residence halls close on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 for the fall term, and they will reopen on Sunday, January 5th, 2025. Since this is an exceptionally long winter break, Concordiensis has some recommendations on how you can spend your break.
Apply for Internships
The post graduate job market for recent college graduates has been cooling as of late. Overall, 52 percent of graduates are underemployed a year after graduation, meaning they work a job that doesn’t require a degree, according to a February 2024 study by the Strada Educational Foundation. However, college level employment rates are significantly higher for those who complete an internship: the odds of underemployment for graduates who had at least one internship are 48.5% lower than those who had no internships, according to the study.
It is beneficial for students to search for internships during winter break because of the lack of coursework during those six weeks. The career center remains open during the break, and students can seek guidance from them by scheduling appointments through Handshake. Employers have been recruiting for summer 2025 internships throughout the fall term, and they typically continue to do so throughout December.
Work a Seasonal Job
During this winter break, it can be beneficial to earn money and gain work experience. Retail jobs need additional workers during the holiday season, and our winter break is a great time to work for them. The job doesn’t have to be related to what you’d want to do in the future, but the work experience can help students build their resume.
Prepare to Apply for Terms Abroad
Applications for Fall 2025 study abroad programs are expected to open in late December. However, students can prepare to apply for these programs throughout winter break. The study abroad office uses the same application essay for each program, so students can write their essays before the application opens. Students can also reach out to professors and students from previous programs during the break.
Winter break is also a great time to renew or obtain a passport, which is required to go abroad. Students can apply for a passport on the state department website. Current processing times for new routine passport applications can take 4 to 6 weeks, so it is recommended that students apply for them early.
Explore your Hometown
Since Union is a residential college, most students don’t go home often. But during winter break, students can explore their hometowns and enjoy what they have to offer. Many Union students are from Boston or New York City, so the Concordiensis has researched some events in those areas.
In Boston, Disney on Ice will be performing at Agganis Arena from December 19th to December 30th. Ticket prices range from $37 to $261 and can be purchased online. The seasonal outdoor ice rink at Frog Pond will also be open during winter break, and there are a variety of holiday cruises on the Northern Lights yacht. On New Year’s Eve, First Night Boston will host their annual celebration, an alcohol free event with rides, performances, ice sculptures, and more on Boylston Street.
In New York City, there are a variety of tourist attractions that are worthy of consideration. One being the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which will arrive at the plaza on Saturday, November 9th. The outdoor ice skating rink in central park will also be open, and a variety of Broadway shows will take place throughout the month.
The Concordiensis wishes Union students good luck on finals, and a restful winter break.
