Winter Term break is here! While it’s important to keep up with your studies, you also need to get some rest and recharge your batteries. Use your well-deserved break to focus on ways to practice self-care, have fun and get what you need out of Reading Week.
Enjoy your break with a variety of events and activities:
Get outdoors. Lots of snow means more opportunities to enjoy winter activities. The Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management has arranged free, freshly groomed cross country ski trails on the Southwood Lands at the Fort Garry campus. Everyone is encouraged to use these trails with your own equipment. If you don’t have equipment or are trying cross country skiing for the first time, the free mobile ski library offered through the Winterpeg project, is rotating through parks all over the city. They also offer snowshoes, kick sleds, and wheel blades for people who use wheelchairs, making sure everyone can enjoy the outdoors as much as they can. On February 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the mobile ski library will be at the Fort Garry campus! Look at the Winterpeg calendar to see all upcoming locations.
You can visit The Forks for river skating trails and rentals, and FortWhyte Alive and Oak Hammock Marsh for other winter programming and events.
Connect with your peers. Take part in events to engage with other UM community members:
- Join in on a virtual student Sharing Circle with the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) on February 24 at 11:30 a.m.
- Connect with Community Engaged Learning through a Working in Good Ways workshop on February 25 at 11:30 am.
- Attend a gathering to build connections for current and prospective Indigenous graduate students on February 24 at 1:00 p.m.
Stay active, indoors. Relieve some stress and get some exercise in the comfort of your own home with virtual resources from Recreation Services, or on campus by visiting UM’s sport and recreation facilities.
Explore the province. The Province of Manitoba is once again offering free entry to all provincial parks in February. Experience the beauty of nature by going for a hike, trying your hand at birdwatching, getting on your toboggans, and more. The Snow Maze at A Maze in Corn, the world’s largest snow maze, is a famous attraction where you can slide down the snow mountain and hop on a sleigh ride.
Check out an event. Take in the local scene and explore more of the city. You might be interested in seeing Festival du Voyageur, watching a Manitoba Moose game, seeing the exhibits at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, checking out the Canadian Museum for Human Rights or the Manitoba Museum, and more.
Volunteer. Give back to the community this season by donating your time. Harvest Manitoba is always looking for volunteers; they offer lots of flexibility with duration and tasks to participate in. You might also consider volunteering with a community centre or a local animal shelter, along with other opportunities you can find on Volunteer Manitoba. Connect with Career Services to further discuss volunteer opportunities and their role in your success!
Get some studying done. Academic supports remain available to all UM students. Elizabeth Dafoe Library and Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library are open as study spaces for students who prefer this setting. UM Librarians can also help with resources you’re looking for—request an appointment or use the Ask Us chat service on the library’s web page. Those studying at home can join the Virtual Study Hall sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays to help you and other students stay focused.
We know the past two years have been challenging. A wide range of supports are available to you when you need them. No matter how you decide to spend your Winter Break, it’s important to prioritize your physical and mental wellness!