November

Are you starting to think about your living arrangements for next year? Take your time in choosing a place to live, there really is no rush even though those around you might be starting early.

There are plenty of housing options both on and off-campus at a variety of price points. Doing some background research and taking the time to explore your options will be useful before signing a lease.

• Use the off-campus housing search
• Visit the Student Legal Service office to make sure you understand your lease before you sign it.
• Take advantage of One Stop’s budgeting and spending resources and this spending plan worksheet to review your finances.

• As the weather turns colder, make sure you make time to go outside even if it is brief! If you are unable to exercise, you can get creative and exercise in open rooms wherever you live. (Tip: this is a fun thing to do with friends.) Exercise can help you manage stress.
• Start getting in the habit of regular exercise and schedule it like you would any other commitment (class, work. etc.). This will help ensure that you have time for physical activity built into your regular routine.
  • Visit the Recreation and Wellness Center. From group fitness classes to aquatics and intramurals, it is a great resource to keep you active in the winter.
  • Check out the winter activities and gear rental offered by the Center for Outdoor Adventure.

Thanksgiving break is a great time to relax and connect with family and friends. Start working ahead and making a plan now so you don't spend your entire break doing homework. Get your group together and start working on that big group project early. Chances are your group members would like to get it done sooner rather than later too.

• It’s easy to fall into the sophomore slump this time of year. Here are 10 ways to get out of the sophomore slump and stay motivated.
• Check out the time management and study tips offered by Effective U.
• The U of M libraries offers a great assignment calculator to help you break down your big projects and papers into manageable steps.

Explore your MAJOR options – consider registering for classes to help you find or affirm your major (including career courses)

• Go to your college Career Services office and meet with a career counselor
• Find a time where you can write and practice your “elevator speech” during Thanksgiving and Winter break

Want to read more? Career Planning in Your Second Year