When the forecast flips and your campus slips into a snow day, most college students feel the same rush: panic, excitement, then the question — now what? Thanks to Winter Storm Benjamin, University of Connecticut students may find themselves in this very circumstance.
Before you slump back into bed or resign yourself to endless scrolling, take a breath. Snow days don’t have to be wasted days. With a little planning and a lot of spirit, they can become some of the most memorable moments of your semester.
Here’s how to turn that unexpected break into a snow day you’ll actually thank winter for.
Embrace the Outdoors (Seriously)
After weeks of lectures, labs, and late-night study sessions, the last thing you might want to do is bundle up again— but hear me out.
Fresh snowfall is one of nature’s best stress relievers. Grab a few friends, layer up with your warmest socks, a good jacket, gloves and a hat, then head outside. Be sure to bundle up! It’s cool to stay warm.
Build a snow fort, challenge your roommate to a snowball duel or attempt that perfect snow angel. Even a brisk walk through campus can clear your mind and boost your mood.
Those chilly gusts are practically winter’s way of telling you to hit reset.
Capitalize on Cozy Creativity
If the weather outside is truly frightful, make your space delightful. Snow days are the ideal time to finally start that creative project you’ve been putting off. Paint, write, knit, scrapbook, bake — you name it. These are the moments that take a little “you” time and turn it into something you’re proud of.
Brew a cup of tea or (my favorite) hot chocolate, set up in your favorite nook and let your imagination run. Feel something brewing under that heavy snowfall? That’s your creativity waking up.
Snow Day Socials: Low-Key Ideas that Slay
Snow days call for connection, but not always for big plans. Host a personal movie marathon with your picks; the kind that make you laugh, cry or quote endlessly. Try a board game tournament with friends or friends-to-be from your building, or a cook-off challenge with whatever’s left in the pantry.
The string lights and blankets might just make a small snow-driven miracle. And for the introverts among us? Text your closest pals to check in and make plans for later. Perhaps, when springtime comes?
Naps with Purpose
Let’s get one thing straight: naps are not lazy on snow days, they are essential. These kind of naps heal your body and refresh your brain. Set your alarm for 30 to 90 minutes — just enough to recharge without crashing your whole day. You’ve earned it. Or at least, I have!
Get Ahead (Without Stressing Out)
Snow days can be a goldmine for productivity — if you play it smart. Skim your syllabi, map out upcoming deadlines and tackle a few quick wins like reading assignments or problem sets. Not only will this ease future stress, but it’ll also give you the freedom to enjoy the rest of your break guilt-free.
Don’t make the day all about work, though, it might be a good choice for some folks.
Capture the Moment
Whether through photos, a journal entry or an impromptu social media post, document your snow day. These fleeting days are part of college lore — the kind you’ll reminisce about after finals week or even at reunions years from now.
So go on. Step outside, snuggle in, create, connect, rest and seize your snow day with intention. Winter only gives us so many of these magical pauses — make them count.
I’ll be out there with so many layers I lost count. Stay cozy, Huskies!