For the last few weeks, talk of Cancún and the Bahamas and Aruba and *insert other amazing tropical place here* has swept college campuses and made all of us simply going back home a little jealous. But nevertheless, us home-spring-breakers are pretty stoked to be able to relax, not think about schoolwork (at least for a few days), and to spend time with friends from home. Unless, your friends from home have different breaks. If this is the case and your looking at a pretty lonely week, here are 17 things you can do during spring break when your friends aren't home:
1. Spend time with your family.
Okay, I know I mentioned Spring Break being lonely before, and that's probably how you're feeling at the start, but remember that you're going home to a family -- whether that be your biological family or people whom you consider family -- that loves you and has missed you while you've been away. Take this week to spend as much time with them as possible. Eat with them at dinner, watch television together before bed, go to the grocery store with mom. They'll appreciate it and you'll learn to appreciate everything they do for you even more.
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2. Get as much of your homework done within the first few days as possible.
It's totally tempting to forget your a college student as soon as you walk through the door, but we all know that you have a ton of homework. While you're still in that school mode, try to complete as much of your homework as you can within the first few days of break. Then you'll have the rest of your time to relax and unwind. An added plus: you'll feel refreshed and ready to finish the semester if you aren't cramming all your homework in last minute.
3. Netflix binge.
You finally have all the time in the world to catch up (and probably finish) *insert current Netflix obsession*. Take advantage of that.
Just make sure it's not the only thing you do.
4. Catch up on some much-needed sleep.
Try to fix your sleeping schedule while you have the chance. When you're home, there's no need to stay up until 3 AM; go to bed at a decent time and try to sleep for eight to nine hours.
5. Discover some new music.
While you have some extra time on your hands, use a music streaming app like Spotify (which has a $4.99 plus tax Premium student discount) to find some new music to jam to.
Then, create the ultimate playlist so you can...
6. Go for a long drive while listening to your favorite music.
Sitting in the house is going to get real old real fast. Go on a mini road trip for one and just drive, blasting your favorite music along the way. Use that new playlist you made to relax and enjoy the ride.
7. Have a dance party for one.
Pump that playlist and bust a move. You know you want to.
8. Go grab a cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop.
I know, I know -- ordering a cup of coffee and sitting down alone to drink it sounds daunting. We live in a society where it's unacceptable to do things alone. But trust me when I say this: no one really cares whether you're alone or not. Plus, being able to sit and drink a cup of your favorite brew alone will give you the chance to really and truly enjoy the taste of the coffee and the experience of the coffee shop. Not only that, but you'll learn a thing or two about yourself that you didn't know before.
9. Apply for internships.
If you're anything like me, you've been putting this off for months. But Spring Break is right around the deadlines for a lot of summer internships. While you have the time, finalize your resume, do some research, and apply for a bunch of internships. Then cross your fingers and wait.
10. Hit the mall.
Nothing can cure boredom quite like shopping. Hit up your favorite clothing stores and shop til you drop (in the clearance section, of course, because you're broke). Like grabbing a cup of coffee alone, shopping without your girlfriends may seem a little intimidating, but it's actually very relaxing and you won't have to worry about whether or not you're spending too much time in one store. It's all on your time.
11. Pick out some books to read at the library.
The good ole library -- an anomaly these days. When's the last time you actually went to your local library and checked out a book or two? Spring Break is the perfect time to do so. You only have about a week at home, so you have to finish the book. It'll be a good challenge and a great way to keep your brain on its toes while your schoolwork is finished.
12. Cook a meal for your family.
Mom and Dad work all day and the last thing they want to do is come home and cook dinner -- but they do it anyway because they love you. Show them some love and have dinner cooked for them when they get home. It'll be a nice surprise and they'll know just how much you appreciate them. If you're not much of a cook, try baking some dessert instead. It's the thought that counts.
13. Write letters to the friends at home who have different Spring Breaks than you.
When you finish, drop it off at their house. Say hi to their parents, who I'm sure you've known since you were little, and leave the letter for your friend for when they return. It'll be a nice, touching moment for them that will make their Spring Break that much sweeter.
14. Have an at-home spa day.
Break out the facials, run a bubble bath, and get ready to paint those nails because for one day this break, you will pamper yourself. After all of the hard work you've done this semester, you certainly deserve it.
15. Wander around Target.
I mean, this is kind of a no-brainer. Target is clearly the best store and you could definitely kill some time just wandering around Target's aisles.
Bonus: if you have a whole lot of time to kill in one day (I'm talking hours, here), try Ikea.
16. Schedule a movie day with the fam.
Head to the grocery store with the fam and buy all your favorite junk food. Then, grab some blankets and get cozy on the couch as you watch movies for the rest of the day.
17. Most importantly, relax
Seriously, take this time to unwind and chill. It's been a long semester, so put on your comfiest sweatpants and lounge around this break.
