The Observer, March 7, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 20
Top 10 Ways to maximize your spring break
Traditionally, spring break has been the week in March when college students around the world cave into life's sinful pleasures. Generally, the naughtiness happens under the sun in places like Mexico or Florida, but for most of us, escaping on a Caribbean getaway is not feasible. For those who are simply going home, or even staying at school, here are the top 10 ways to make the most out of spring break.
10. Tiki party. I live in the Northeast, where the chance of warm weather in the next week is never going to happen. Stay inside, turn up the thermostat (literally), and host a tiki-themed party. Serve tropical drinks with mini-umbrellas, play luau music, and decorate with plastic palm trees.
9. Gidget. If your friends are actually away on vacation, host a party for one. Rent the beach blanket classic Gidget, and enjoy two hours of 60s surfer fun.
8. Find a summer job. OK, not the most fun activity on the list, but now is the best time to make contacts for summer internships. Head to the career center and check out what opportunities are available in the city closest to where you live. Send out some e-mails or phone calls to the places that interest you, and be sure to schedule an interview while you are home. It's a good way to get ahead for the summer.
7. Local fare. As springtime is just around the corner, there will surely be some great local markets opening up. Check out farmers' markets or street fairs to find locally made gems.
6. Plan a day trip. Canada is about four hours away from Case. If you are stuck here, look for a friend who is up for an adventure, and head north. While it won't be warm, it'll be fun to get away, even if it is just for a day (and by day I mean night). If Canada seems a bit too far, visit a friend from school who lives in a different place than you do. You will have a place to stay, and will have a pal to hang with if home friends are still at school.
5. Plan a night out. Just because you may not be hitting the clubs down south doesn't mean you have to stay home and feel lonely. Find at least one other friend who is home, get dressed up in your party best, go out to a nice restaurant, and hit up a local hookah bar or music venue.
4. Go to another school. So what if your home friends are still at school because they have a different break? Go visit a friend at a different school on a weekend, and you can catch up with someone who you probably don't see often, and crash the local parties.
3. MTV Spring Break. I remember watching 24/7 spring break coverage on MTV before I had my own spring break. While it is definitely over the top, it is definitely entertaining. Live vicariously through your TV and watch live musical performances on MTVU. You can watch shows online as well at MTVU.com.
2. Rest Up. Not going anywhere special can be a blessing in disguise. Everyone works so hard during school that resting is the last thing anyone has done since last break. Take the week to do absolutely nothing while lounging in your Pajamas.
1. Girls Gone Wild. If all else fails and you are stuck at home without any friends, slather on some self-tanner, make yourself a large drink, and stay up all night watching Girls Gone Wild. If anything, it can take you away from the stress of life for a little bit, and at least you can pretend you had a "crazy" time over spring break.
