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Student Life

Spring Break: Expectations Vs. Reality

It's nothing like you ever planned.

Michaela Leach

Mar 07, 2016

Ohio University

Michaela Leach

Spring Break is a crucial time for college students; it's a time to get away from the stress of academics and take a week to relax with absolutely no responsibilities. The anticipation for this time of year leads to some pretty high expectations, and unfortunately, those expectations are not always met.

1. Packing

Expectation: A five day trip shouldn't require more than a carry on's worth of clothes.

Reality: Saying a prayer as you place your overly packed suitcase on the scale knowing that it's dangerously close to the weight limit (and knowing you certainly can't afford that $100 fee.)

2. The Hotel

Expectation: A nice, clean, relatively luxurious hotel room. Something similar to a place your parents would book.

Reality: A room smaller than your freshman dorm for your oversized party equipped with a broken TV, questionable bedding, and a shower you regret stepping into barefoot.

3. Capturing the Moment

Expectation: Taking hundreds of photos with your friends and making sure everyone who's not there is made aware of exactly what they're missing out on.

Reality: Dropping your phone to its tragic death in the ocean/pool/hot tub within hours of arriving.

4. The Tan

Expectation: An even, golden tan that leaves you looking flawlessly sun kissed.

Reality: Sunburn so blotchy it leaves no option other than to wear a T-shirt to the beach.

5. The Drinks

Expectation: Sipping an ice cold pina colada from the beach bar with your toes in the sand.

Reality: There is absolutely no way you can afford to spend $12 on a single tropical drink. A water bottle of warm vodka sprite will have to do (for the fourth day in a row).

6. The Insta

Expectation: A flawless photo of you and your squad that could totally go viral on Tumblr.

Reality: One girl face down in the sand, another whose hair caught an unfortunate gust of wind, and at least two with eyes so squinty, they might as well be closed.

7. Your Belongings

Expectation: If everything is just kept in the suitcase, it cannot possibly go missing.

Reality: Losing your wallet, which requires you to take a 17-hour joy ride home with randos because you can't board a plane without an ID.

8. The Night Life

Expectation: Cute little local bars that overlook the beach.

Reality: A "club" whose entrance requires $10 and an abundance of neon wristbands.

9. The Memories

Expectation: The absolute best vacation of your life.

Reality: Somewhere between "I can never go back there" and "I wish I could have stayed forever."

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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