With the weather getting warmer and spring break quickly approaching, many students are thinking of ways to fill their time without classes, clubs or campus activities to rely on. Sometimes the change from busy campus life to home can leave us wondering how to make the best of our brief time away. We may even be wondering when and what to pack—do we neatly fold freshly washed clothes or just heave the whole laundry basket in a suitcase? Whatever the answer, here are a few tips for making the most of your spring break!
Before you even leave campus, ask yourself: do I really need all this stuff cluttering up my dorm room? If there are clothes you don’t wear, things you don’t use or random objects collecting dust in the corner, bring them home! A little spring cleaning can go a long way, and it’s always nice to come back to a freshly cleaned dorm room. Decluttering is a great way to make space for new things (if you need them), and will also help with moving out at the end of the semester. While you’re at it, washing sheets, wiping surfaces and taking out the trash can help you come back to an inviting and (hopefully) calm space for getting back to classes.
When students leave campus, they have several options available to keep themselves entertained. Inevitably, however, some students will get home, toss down their bags, flop onto the couch and proceed to imitate a human-shaped blob for a week. This is, to say the least, not ideal. While spring break should of course be a fun and relaxing break from studying and school life, complete laziness isn’t good for anyone.
Instead of just napping, watching television and eating over spring break, mix it up a little! Literally. Mix up some flour, water and sugar to make bread or a cake! Enjoy a home cooked meal before returning to the marketplace. Go to your local movie theater, mall or bowling alley with friends or family. Organize your room and do some spring cleaning at home, too. If you have old clothes you don’t want anymore, consider running them to your nearest consignment shop or donation bin. While you’re out, pick up a puzzle or craft to do in your free time while you watch television or listen to music. As the weather gets warmer, go on a walk!
If you’re feeling motivated, get ahead on some homework, look for internships to apply for or do any other chores you’ve been procrastinating on. If you have a job at home, consider picking up a shift or two for some extra cash! Having time away from schoolwork and campus life can also provide an opportunity to get other things done; sometimes all you have to do is think outside the box. Even in the smallest of towns (trust me, I’m from one) you can always think of something to do.
In short, spring break is supposed to be an opportunity to rest, recharge and get some much-needed time off from our busy schedules. By filling (but not overfilling) each day with fun activities, students can make the most of their break and return to campus ready to restart on the right foot.
