Midterm exams and skyrocketing stress levels are currently reminding us all that we are about to hit the halfway mark this Spring semester. Amidst the late nights chugging coffee and scribbling notes until carpal tunnel syndrome ensues, there is a tiny glimmer of salvation. Spring break is officially less than a week away; so close we can almost taste it. As much as we love Purdue and all its anxiety producing glory, even Boilermakers need some time to kick it casual. Whether you're sprinting towards the beach, the mountains, or the couch, here’s a few things you might not mind taking a break from as we emerge from study captivity this Friday.

1. Unpredictable weather

Every morning is a gamble. We never know if we’ll be waking up to prime darty weather or snowflakes bigger than our faces. The midwest offers fleeting glimpses of sunshine only to smacked by an icy wind the following day. Out of all the things we have to be confused about, the weather should not be one of them.

2. Jam packed Co-Rec

It’s official, our beach bods are now as good as they will get. The weeks impending spring break bring endless amounts of traffic through the gym. Regardless of what time of day it is, it seems as though finding even a single available dumbbell is mission impossible.

3. 7:30 a.m. lectures

It is likely that 7:30 a.m. lectures might be Purdue’s most cruel and unusual punishment. There is nothing worse than rolling out of bed on Friday morning, staggering to a class that you will barely be able to keep your eyes open for. Wait, Professor, can you repeat that at 10:00 a.m?

4. Mid-semester social life slump

Luckily spring is close because we are quickly running out of things to do indoors. All of this cramming into crowded basements or laying on the couch watching movies in our slippers is getting old. Have no fear, away formals, beach volleyball games, and Grand Prix breakfast clubs are right around the corner.

5. Exams

Okay, Purdue is not nationally ranked for being one of the most difficult universities to obtain an “A” at for no reason. Spring break is our only hope for preventing what’s left of our brains from leaking out our ears.

6. Dining court food/sub-par college culinary skills

If you're going home, your mouth probably waters just thinking about having a home cooked meal. If you're traveling, you might be looking forward to stopping at some new restaurants. Although Purdue food ranks above the rest, we are still eager to reawaken our palates with something that strays from the usual.

7. Bar scene

Purdue is home to some great nightlife traditions. As much as we cherish belting out hits at the piano bar on Thursday nights, it’ll be nice to experience some unfamiliar social territory for a week.

8. Purdue parking tickets

Tiny, evil, yellow envelopes that punish good hearted people on the daily. Snagging a parking spot on or near campus with or without a permit might be more difficult than an engineering exam.

9. Indiana landscape

Cornfields, bare trees, flat lands, and pale grass. It’s hard to stay motivated when nature is looking just as sluggish as you feel.

10. Crowded bus routes

There may be many and they might look big, but City Buses do not comfortable hold nearly as many students as you would think. Jolting from one overhead hand rail to the next will not be missed on spring break.

11. The looming pressure to find a summer job

Unfortunately, as soon as we take those final exams in May, life demands you continue being a productive member of society. Taking a week off from stressing about updating your resume and formulating a plan for the summer months will be quite the relief.

12. Figuring out what to do with your new fancy degree

Congratulations seniors, you are about to hold a highly coveted degree from a prestigious institution. However, you can’t fight the constant reminder that adulthood is knocking on your door. No, you can’t run away screaming forever, but you can live it up on your last college spring break.

The weight of spring semester is upon us, and nothing will recharge our batteries better than a week dedicated to minimal academic brain activity. Sit back, relax, and remind yourself that there is a world outside your jam-packed mortar board. Don’t worry Purdue, we’ll be back in seven days, surely missing you. All hail to our gold and black!