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MERRILL COLLEGE End of Fall Quarter Newsletter

Thank you for

Contents

Winter Break Key Dates Winter Quarter Events Winter Quarter Save the Dates! Things To Do Before Winter Break Things To Consider When Going Home Mental Health Check In Mental Health Resources

helping us make such a wonderful and memorable Fall Quarter! We can’t wait to see you again in the Winter. - Merrill Programs and Leadership Office

WINTER BREAK KEY DATES Quarter Breaks housing.ucsc.edu/quarter-breaks/index.html Friday, December 15, 2023 Finals and fall quarter end. Fall meal plans end with dinner. Saturday, December 16, 2023 Residences close at 12 noon. Friday, January 5, 2024: Residences reopen at 10:00 a.m. Dining service resumes. Winter meal plans begin with dinner. Check dining.ucsc.edu/calendar for details. Monday, January 8, 2024: Instruction begins for winter quarter. Dining service resumes normal schedule. If you need to stay in your residence the weekend after finals (Dec. 16–17), you can request a late checkout through the Housing Portal. studenthousing.ucsc.edu

WINTER QUARTER EVENTS We want to hear from you! What events do you want in Winter Quarter? take this 5-minute survey (please!) bit.ly/MerrillFall23

SAVE THE DATE! Do you need a space to discuss and learn about sex in a safe and destigmatized way? Join us for an empowering talking circle session about sexual health that centers queer and trans identities! Everyone is welcome! Exploretopics such as consent, bystander intervention, communication around sex, and sexual health education.

(program name subject to change)

SAVE THE DATE!

Please Join Us! Saturday, February 3rd at the Cultural Center at Merrill Keep an eye out for a postcard in your mail! (it will have more details) sites.google.com/ucsc.edu /cmfamilyday/home

THINGS TO DO BEFORE WINTER BREAK Deep clean your space (wipe down surfaces, vacuum, sweep, mop, dust hard-to-reach areas, etc.) Empty your trash and recycling! Strip your bed (and wash your sheets!) Clean your fridge out of any perishable food Unplug unnecessary electronics, they’re a fire hazard! (lamps, microwave, chargers, TVs, etc.) Turn off all lights Close and lock all windows and doors

PACKING LIST Things to bring from home Winter clothing (coat, rain jacket, umbrella, gloves, beanie, sweater, scarf, etc.) Anything you forgot from home Things to leave home Warm weather clothing Halloween costumes Things you haven’t worn/used in 4 weeks (you probably don’t need it) Tip: Make your packing lists now!

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN GOING HOME Changing Home Dynamics Now that you have moved away from home and have become more independent, there will be some in your home dynamic. That’s completely normal. Here’s how you can prepare: Call your family members a couple of times before you go back home. Talk about new and old boundaries with family and friends. Talk about new or changing rules when home now that you’re an adult. Designate intentional time to bond and have fun with your loved ones once you get home.

Things you should do when home Schedule doctor, dentist, and vaccine appointments Apply for internships, apprenticeships, scholarships, grad school, etc. Check your email! (the school might have important updates for you) Rest and relax

MENTAL HEALTH CHECK IN Self Reflection Questions

Self-reflection questions What has happened during this quarter What has changed for me? What has stayed the same? What goals do I want to set for next quarter? What's an actionable plan I can make to achieve these goals? Try using SMART goals! What fun moments do I want to experience? How would I rate this quarter from 1(horrible) to 10(amazing) What moments made me smile? Top 5 moments from this quarter?

Body scan Check in with your body! Are your shoulders tense? Practice tensing parts of your body from head to toe and then releasing and relaxing Grounding exercises These come in many shapes and forms; they aren't all just breathing! 5 senses - what are 5 things you hear,4 that you see, etc. Mindfulness moments What's something you can simply notice or observe without attaching any judgment to it? Practice taking notice without attaching a good or bad value to it!

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) Let's talk: zoom drop-in sessions if you ever need someone to talk to but don't want to commit to a different counseling option caps.ucsc.edu/resources/ lets-talk/ Anxiety tool box workshop: 3 part series to help you better understand your Anxiety and learn strategies for anxiety reduction caps.ucsc.edu/groups-andworkshops/anxiety-toolbox Black Minds Matter: an ongoing group held every week for African, Black, Caribbean, and queer ABC folks caps.ucsc.edu/groups-and-workshops/black-mindsmatter Mood toolbox: provides tools to understand and manage your mood caps.ucsc.edu/groups-andworkshops/mood-toolbox Mindfulness: 30-minute video you can watch and 4 short exercises in grounding, deep breathing, body scanning, and visualization caps.ucsc.edu/groups-andworkshops/30-minute-relaxation Still interested in a different group but didn't see any that fit for you here? See this more expansive list of groups that CAPS currently provides! Sneak peek- it includes a range from a Queer POC group, a trans and non-binary group, a happiness group, and even drop-in groups like “You think you have ADHD: Now what?”