For many colleges, spring break typically begins on a Friday afternoon and ends on the following Sunday night, making the total length of spring break around 5 days (excluding the weekends).
For 2023, spring break happens for many schools from Monday, March 13 to Friday, March 17, 2023. The exact length of spring break and date depends on the school so you should check your school’s website to confirm.
When is 2023 college spring break in U.S colleges?
The spring break period typically takes place in late February or early March, and can last anywhere from a few days up to a full week.
Some colleges in the United States might even have multiple breaks during the spring semester. It’s important to keep in mind that not all colleges follow the same schedule, so gotta check your school for their specific dates.
How do you find out the exact date for your school’s spring break?
You can take one of these 3 routes or all of them:
Step 1: Check your school academic calendar (check your school’s website and the specific academic year)
Step 2: Look for email announcements from your school or professors
Step 3: Ask around (can ask your classmates, roommates)
We recommend the first route of checking your school’s website because that can give you your answer in less than 2 minutes.
Ideas for Spring Break destinations
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Cancun, Mexico
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Miami, Florida
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Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
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Negril, Jamaica
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Panama City Beach, Florida
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South Padre Island, Texas
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Nassau, Bahamas
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Myrtle Beach,South Carolina
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Disney World, Florida
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Barcelona, Spain.
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Charlotte, North carolina
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Key West, Central florida
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Las Vegas
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Ft. Lauderdale
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Daytona Beach
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Montego Bay
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Dominican Republic
This list is a mix of places in and outside the U.S. For more ideas of cool U.S. only destinations, you should check out this list of spring break destinations.
So what’s the history behind spring break?
Believe it or not, the history and concept of spring break is actually quite interesting! The tradition can be traced back to the 1930s and 1940s, when american students would take a week off from their studies in order to participate in recreational activities.
It was during this time that the term “spring break” was first coined. In the 1950s, college students began taking trips to popular vacation destinations like Florida and California during their break.
This gave rise to the modern-day spring break that we know today—namely, big beach parties and wild nights out on the town. While the specifics may have changed over the years, one thing remains the same—spring break is still an awesome opportunity for college students to take a well-deserved break from their studies and enjoy some much-needed fun in the sun!
How early should you plan for Spring Break in college?
Planning for Spring Break should start as early as 3 months in advance for the week-long break because things get booked up really fast if you plan on traveling. And tickets get more expensive for popular locations. Once things get past the fall semester and it’s getting cold, students immediately start looking for warm places for spring break. Some even start for spring break month as early as during their winter break. So naturally prices tend to spike for the vacation period as dates get closer. The hike is especially noticeable for the most popular destinations. So whatever you do, start early.
How Much Money Should You Budget For Spring Break?
On average, college students in the U.S. spend on spring break about $1,100 on spring break every year.
That includes costs such as airfare, accommodations, food, and other entertainment expenses.
Of course, some students are able to keep their costs down by staying close to home or by taking weekend trips instead of full-week vacations. But regardless of where they go and how long they stay, the average college student spends a significant amount of money on spring break.
So if you’re planning your own spring break this year, it’s important to create a budget and stick to it to avoid ending up in debt.
What things should you do to get prepared for spring break?
To help you out, we’ve put together a few tips on budgeting for spring break.
- First, decide on a destination and determine how much it will cost to get there.
- Will you be flying or taking a road trip? If you’re flying, the cost of airfare is going to be a major factor in your budget.
- Consider the cost of accommodations and activities while you’re there.
- If you’re taking a road trip, factor in the cost of gas, food and lodging.
- Think about what other expenses might come up during your trip. For example, will you be eating out every night or bringing your own snacks? Are you planning any activities that require an entry fee?
Before you run off for your spring recess you should also:
- Confirm your spring break dates on your school’s website
- Keep track of assignments with due dates before the break
- Check when classes resume, your final examinations, and last day of classes (this will prevent things from sneaking up on you right after the break)
- Review what your midterm grades are looking like and how your final grades might look like (this may let you see if you should set some study time during the break)
- Always be safe (that means watch out for underage drinking, alcohol poisoning, and unprotected sex — yes, you should turn up but always be safe)
- Drive safely (student arrests are real in US colleges and you’ve gotta be careful. Otherwise your idea of a solid break will turn into a disaster)
If these sound boring then it’s a sign you’re probably procrastinating like many college students and gotta learn solid time management tips.
What Do College Students Do During Spring Breaks?
1. Travel and explore new places
From visiting a new city, to beach hopping and road tripping, the possibilities are endless for college students during spring break.
Researching and planning ahead can help you get the most out of your trip. Taking advantage of resources like travel deals and student discounts for local businesses helps you make the most of your budget.
You don’t need to go too far away either; look around your own town or city, or even just around your state. There are plenty of hidden gems and unique experiences to be found right in your own backyard. So take advantage of this time of year and get out there, explore, and have some fun!
2. Catch up with friends
College can sometimes feel lonely if you’re running from one class to another and barely spending quality time with your friends.
But spring break can help! One easy approach is to jump into an online you play with your friends.
Here’s a list of awesome games that you can play with your college friends to catch up with each other through a fun and fast-paced activity. You can compete in teams or individually and can even customize game boards to suit your group’s interests.
3. Take part in volunteer activities
Instead of lounging by the pool, you can use your spring break as a time to give back to your community and participate in some volunteer activities.
It’s a great way to make use of your vacation while having a positive impact!
There are tons of different options available, from helping out at a local animal shelter to volunteering at a food bank. It’s easy to find organizations in your area that could use an extra hand during this time of year. You could even work with other college students in your area to plan a group volunteer project.
Whatever the activity, you can be sure that you’ll be making a difference and gaining some valuable experience along the way. So this spring break, maybe put down the beach towel and pick up the volunteering spirit!
4. Go skiing or snowboarding
If you’re completely new to it spring break might be an awesome time to try skiing or snowboarding.
Both activities give you the chance to enjoy the beauty of nature, as well as challenge yourself and develop your skills.
Plus, they can be great fun with friends.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can find a spot to ski or snowboard that matches your level. Most mountains have easy slopes, perfect for those who are just starting out.
As your skills improve, you can move on to more difficult trails. Skiing and snowboarding provide an adrenaline rush, and the feeling of accomplishment when you reach the bottom of the hill is priceless.
Ski resorts also have plenty of other activities like snowshoeing, sledding, tubing, and more. So don’t miss out on the chance to have an unforgettable spring break experience – go skiing or snowboarding!
5. Visit family
Spring break is the perfect time for college students to catch up with family and friends.
With the hustle and bustle of college life, it can be hard to make time for those closest to us. That’s why it’s important to take advantage of the extra time afforded by spring break to visit our families and reconnect.
Whether it’s a quick trip to spend the weekend with mom and dad or a longer visit with the whole family, these moments can help us reflect on our lives and appreciate the people who matter most.
Not only does this provide an opportunity to bond with family, but it can also help us take a much needed break from our studies. With a few days away from school, we can come back feeling reenergized and ready to tackle the rest of the semester.
6. Take a road trip
A road trip is an amazing way to make the most of the break and experience something totally new. Road trips are a cheap way to fit any budget.
For those on a tight budget, camping is a great way to save money and still have an unforgettable adventure.
Hitting the open road and seeing all kinds of sights and sounds along the way can be a truly liberating experience. If camping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of affordable hotels and motels that can provide a comfortable home away from home.
And if you feel like splurging, there are a variety of luxurious resorts or AirBnB’s that will create a memorable experience. No matter how you choose to do it, taking a road trip during spring break can be an exciting and rewarding way to spend your time off from school.
7. Attend music festivals
For many college students, attending music festivals is up there on the list of spring break traditions.
Music festivals are an amazing way for college students to enjoy their time off, and there are plenty of amazing festivals to choose from. From large-scale events like Coachella and Bonnaroo to smaller regional festivals, there’s something for everyone.
Not only do music festivals offer great music, but they also provide an opportunity to explore a new city or state and meet new people. Plus, many festivals offer camping areas where college students can save money on accommodations. So if you’re looking for an exciting way to spend your spring break, consider turning to a music festival!
8. Work on internships or jobs
If you’re looking for an internship or a part-time job spending your spring break doing something meaningful can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Internships and volunteer positions offer the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a specific field and to make connections with professionals in the industry.
Part-time jobs provide a steady source of income and often offer opportunities for growth and development. Even though you can catch up on internship or job applications, you shouldn’t spend all your time working with zero period of rest.
The key here is to strike a balance between work and play so you make the most of your spring break.
9. Relax and catch up on sleep
Spring break is one of the best times to relax, catch up on sleep, and take a break from school.
It’s super easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re juggling classes, extracurriculars, and a social life all at once. Use this time to get the rest you need without feeling guilty about it!
You could also take some time for yourself to do whatever it is that brings you joy—whether that’s playing video games, reading a book, or going for a walk.
Relaxing can help you de-stress and reset before heading back to school.
10. Participate in outdoor activities
With the warmer weather and hopefully sunny days during a spring break vacay, enjoying the outdoors is a must-do.
From camping in the woods to kayaking down a river, there are plenty of outdoor activities that undergraduate students can take part in during their break.
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and explore nature while camping gives students a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, kayaking or rock climbing can be great ways to challenge yourself and push your limits. No matter what activity you choose, have an open mind to explore far and wide.
How can you make the most of your spring break in college?
Focus on things that will help you become refreshed and recharged after the break.
Step 1: Set Your Goals - Plan out what you want to accomplish during your spring break.
Step 2: Take Time for Yourself - Find time to relax and have fun.
Step 3: Catch Up On Sleep - Get plenty of rest so you can be productive on your break.
Step 4: Connect With Friends and Family - Reach out to those you haven’t seen in a while or just need to catch up with.
Step 5: Volunteer - Use your free time to do something meaningful and help others in need.
Step 6: Take Advantage Of Local Events & Activities - Look up upcoming events in your area and attend something new and exciting.
Conclusion
There are many ways to make the most of your spring break time in college. So take advantage of the ideas here and have a blast!
Happy spring break, my friend! 🥳
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