An excruciatingly long wait comes to an end this weekend as we finally start Spring Break. There are only three weeks remaining before finals start, once we return from our fun in the sun – and this makes this break an even greater necessity.
At this point, if you don’t already have plans for an all-inclusive vacation to Cabo or for a road trip with friends to Vegas, then next week may seem a little anticlimactic.
It doesn’t have to be, though. As students, we might actually benefit from a low-key break this year. With our week off being so late in the semester, it coincides with final projects, exams and that online computer class that hasn’t really been looked at.
All of us procrastinators – who even procrastinated on vacation plans – can still have an awesome week away from all of the chaos that will ensue come the Monday we return.
Monday
Even on break, this day is never exciting.
Take the first day off as a rest day. Maybe do something simple like go out to lunch with a friend or just sleep in until 2 p.m. and take them out for drinks instead.
A seven-hour Netflix binge is also acceptable – no one is going to judge you.
Tuesday
April 22 promises to be sunny and 75 – perfect weather to lounge by the pool or the lake and enjoy a BBQ. Meet up with old friends you never have time to see. Or, if no one else has this strange Spring Break week, you know you’re starting to miss all of those school friends you haven’t seen since Friday.
Wednesday
Don’t panic. It may seem like your week is halfway over, but you still have five full days of no school to make the best of. April 23 looks like a good day on the forecast to be outside without suffering unbearable heat. Yosemite National Park never fails at being stunningly gorgeous. Go with a group of friends or make it a romantic couple’s hike. Bring a sweater.
Thursday
As lame as it sounds, use Thursday to catch up on all that homework you have due the week we return. Break those procrastinating habits and attempt to knock out that ten-page essay and read those chapters you said you read but never did.
Don’t set yourself up for a stressful disaster come Sunday night.
Friday
Head over to the Asparagus Festival happening in Stockton.
It’s only about a forty-minute drive from campus and it’s a great place to enjoy some yummy food and live entertainment. Tickets for college students with a proper ID are only $8, that’s five dollars off general admission.
If you can’t make it April 25, don’t worry. The festival is open through April 27 so you have a little wiggle room.
Saturday
Get away for the day and breathe in the salty ocean air by taking a trip to Monterey.
The drive is a little long for a day trip but totally worth it. Spend your day exploring the exhibits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, strolling down Cannery Row or just taking in the views along 17-mile drive. There’s only one rule: No chain restaurants. Enjoy some fresh, local cuisine.
Sunday
School starts tomorrow. Use this final golden day of bliss wisely. You have to do the usual catch up of laundry, grocery shopping and hey, don’t forget to spend a little time with the family. However, don’t let the day end with regrets of the morning to come. Around 7 p.m., grab some frozen yogurt  –  or whatever your favorite treat is  –  and go watch the sunset. As cliche as it sounds, this is a great way of commemorating the week and enjoying your final night without letting the looming cloud that is school bring you down.