With winter break being extended, some students might feel like they’re going to be away from campus and their friends forever. But just because we will not physically be on campus during break doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to stay connected to your Drury family. Here’s five ways to stay connected to your friends during the extended winter break: 

1. FaceTime/Zoom calls: I know you’re probably sick of zoom calls by now, but hear me out. Zoom allows you to see each other face to face and allows multiple people to be on the call, making it a perfect platform to stay connected to your friends.  Of course if you would rather do anything other than attend another zoom call, FaceTime works just as well.  
2. Netflix Parties: This new feature on Netflix allows multiple users to watch a movie or tv show together, complete with a chat setting so you can discuss the movie with each other while you are watching it. The Netflix Party extension is free and available through chrome browser.  
3. Among Us/other social gaming: Playing video games together is a good way to spend time with your friends from afar.  Among Us allows you to host your own private games and send out the game codes to your friends so you can play together. There are other multiplayer games available for just about every person and interest. Check the app store for other options! Most gaming systems also have multiplayer options where you can play with your friends.  
4. Letters: I know, I know you’re probably wondering why you would take the time to write and send a letter to your friends when you could just text them or call them or FaceTime them. But, writing letters allows you to work though many different areas of writing that are not as important in texting like grammar, style and structure.  So, stay connected to your friends and work on your writing skills at the same time by writing letters this winter break! 
5. Virtual Book clubs: Make an effort to hop on Zoom or FaceTime and discuss a book or another form of entertainment together. Having a designated topic and time will help keep you on a schedule so you are able to always make time to connect with your friends!  

Staying connected to your friends this winter break might feel like an impossibility, but there are many different ways that you can keep up with your Drury family this winter break without being on campus together.  

Article by Marissa Mayfield