The ultimate Spring Break staycation idea list

Spring Break is iconic in college. Movies and TV shows glorify the week as a wild adventure that serves as a rite of passage for the average college student. That said, a warm weather getaway isn’t the only option students have.

For some, making spring break a reality can be a little trickier. Tropical trips can be way out of students’ budgets and may not live up the expectations set by popular culture. Instead, here are some other spring break staycation ideas to consider:

1. Vine Party

This idea may only take up one day, but it’ll take everyone all week to get the perfect costume. Everyone has to come dressed as their favorite Vine; take videos throughout the night of everyone acting theirs out!

2. College Tour

Not everyone has the same spring break week. Collaborate with your friends and figure out when everyone will be home. For those of you who share the same break, plan to visit the ones who don’t! This is a chance to see your friends’ schools and catch up with everyone even though you’re not all at home at the same time.

3. Movie Marathon

Get some friends together and have the ultimate movie marathon! Decorate the space, set up a snack station, make a giant pillow and blanket fort and create the perfect movie binging list. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with friends and the movies you’ve missed while away at school. If you really want to go all in, you can stay at one house the whole week or rotate locations.

4. Hiking Marathon

This is the movie marathon for the outdoorsy person. Grab some friends, pack a bag and map out the trails you want to cover throughout the week. It may still be a little cold, but it’s an opportunity to spend all week getting some fresh air and sunlight instead of studying under artificial lighting.

5. State Landmarks

What are the hidden gems of your state? Put a list together and spend all week exploring the place you grew up! It’ll give you a great sense of home and you might discover something new. Most states have exciting day trips you can try out.

6. Have a “self-care” week

Spend the week pampering yourself and recovering from the semester. Sleep in, join a gym, break a bad habit, change your look or go to a spa. Do whatever relaxing means to you! Don’t forget to take stock of your mental health; have you been treating yourself well during the school year? If not, make a plan to help yourself out for the rest of the year.

7. Work

Now, I know what you’re thinking. It’s your week off and you don’t want to spend it at a job. However, even just one week’s paycheck can be saved for the summer. You may not be able to do everything you want to for the break, but you can put the money toward something fun for the summer, or better yet, next spring break!

8. Dessert Tour

Go to your local restaurants and just order dessert. You and your friends can make a list and rate each place based on the best food! Plus you get to enjoy sweets while you do it.

9. Create A Ridiculous Convention

Make up an entire convention for you and your friends to play around with. You could go with ‘cutest animals’ or ‘most irrelevant celebrities.’ There’s plenty of ridiculous themes to work with! Dress up in your professional outfits, create Powerpoints, take photos and create your own hashtag. This is a silly way to spend time with friends and it’ll make a great story for the future!

10. Host an Awards Show

Get some friends together and spend the week creating awards, catching up on school life and shopping for the perfect dress. Go out for a nice dinner and then let the award show begin! Give out awards like “busiest during the semester,” “least likely to text back” or “most ridiculous quotes.” Show your appreciation for the people in your life while also having a great time!