It’s February. The tests and essays are piling up, as well as the recent snow, and everything seems to be happening all at once. The only light at the end of this gloomy tunnel is the thought of one thing: Spring Break ’15.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, there are 3 weeks separating us from a relaxing week of sunshine. (Unless you decide to go to the frigid north… Bless your heart)

Here are 7 things to do to prep for SB2K15 and kill time in the three weeks prior to paradise:

1. Plan ahead: Remember that week in the beginning of the semester when you did nothing and the teachers gave you that packet with your schedule for the semester? That “syllabus” thing? Yeah pull that out. Okay, now look at the week after spring break and see if you have a paper or test the following week. (We all have that one teacher who wouldn’t think twice about doing something so ridiculous) This way you can prepare for it early and won’t be stressed during what should be a really fun and relaxing week!

2. Diet: If you think this is going be some lecture about eating right to get a “spring break body” you can look elsewhere. No, what I’m going to suggest is that you eat what you would like to, and order one of these wonderful creations, i.e. the “bikini T-shirt.” That is what I’m going to do. I’m sure no one will notice the difference.

http://www.amazon.com/Bikini-Cover-T-shirt-Ladys-Fun/dp/B00KMH3N4Q

3. Decide where you’re going: This can be tricky depending on who you’re traveling with, but make sure you have a place to go for spring break. If you’re on the “Unlimited plan” budget, then I would suggest Europe or maybe the Turks & Caicos (TAKE ME WITH YOU) If you’re on the “Base plan” budget, as most of us college students are, then I would suggest someplace within driving distance such as Myrtle Beach, Charleston (if you’re lucky), Hilton Head or Daytona Beach. And next time you should probably start looking before 3 weeks prior to spring break…

4. Rentals: Okay this goes hand in hand with the “where” part, but as I have recently learned, it is difficult to rent a house if you’re not 25 years old and most of us in college aren’t…so there lies the dilemma. For some reason, owners aren’t thrilled at the idea of renting to college students during a week known for chaos, …shocker. Somehow my group managed to get a house, but most aren’t that lucky. So what I would suggest is a resort or a hotel. There are plenty of options that are just as nice and affordable, you just need to take some time and find the right place for you. (Again, start early!).

5. Be kind to yourself: When I left for winter break I put fresh sheets on my bed and did my laundry. 2015 me really appreciated that gesture from 2014 me. Just saying, do yourself a favor.

6. Pack: Let me start this by saying, YOU ARE NOT MOVING OUT. Therefore, an excess amount of clothing is not necessary and if you are carpooling and take up the luggage space meant for 5 people, I’m guessing your friends aren’t going to be too happy. Don’t be that girl. (I’m laughing as I write this, because I’m that girl...spring break friends consider this your warning).

7. Leave all your school stuff at school: Don’t take any negative energy with you. Leave your stress over that final project. Leave all memories behind of the cute boy in your class, trust me, he’ll be there when you get back and you can deal with it then. Leave all conflicts and anxieties and just focus on having fun.

Okay y’all are ready to go! Carpe Diem homies.