Showing posts with label Break. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Break. Show all posts

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Packing for Spring Break

Packing for Spring Break can be ridiculously exciting -- but also complicated, given that most students are completely brain fried from midterms, papers, and general college stress. So how can you make sure you pack everything you'll need for your Spring Break adventure?

If you're headed somewhere warm, the list below includes everything you'll need to keep you safe and comfy (in addition to your regular things, like regular clothes and your wallet). Because with everything else you've got going on, who needs to make a new Spring Break packing list?

Packing for Spring Break

  • Sunblock. Do you maybe want a little tan? Of course. Do you want a horrible sunburn that prevents you from having fun? Of course not. So pack the sunblock.

  • Sunglasses. Who wants to squint when you're out in the bright sun? Added bonus: You can people watch without others knowing.

  • Two bathing suits. Getting into a cold, wet bathing suit in the morning is just not enjoyable. For anyone. So pack another suit to make sure you're always good to go.

  • A towel. Yes, the hotel might have one -- if you're at a hotel. But they might also be scratchy and gross and only washed not-very-often. So grab one of your own as a back-up, just in case.

  • Water bottle. You'll have to leave it empty in your suitcase if you're flying, but bringing a water bottle is a smart way to stay hydrated if you're outside all day. (Consider the Sport+Store Water Bottle if you want something that's easy to use while you're traveling.)

  • Aspirin. Ugh, headaches. Muscle aches. Body aches. Pass the aspirin, please.

  • Insect repellent. This might only apply if you're going somewhere that has funky bugs, but you can choose to pack the repellent or choose to be covered with itchy bites during your vacation.

  • Pajamas. Sounds silly, but these are often forgotten -- and much needed if you're sharing a room with friends.

  • A nice outfit. Sure, you might be going on Spring Break to veg and relax. But you may also want to head somewhere relatively nice at least once. Don't be left having to hide your shorts and flip-flops under a table.

  • Cell phone charger. Even if your phone won't work where you're going, chances are you'll use it as a clock or for taking pictures and videos.

  • Chapstick. Chapped lips -- with no good chapstick to be found -- isn't cute on anyone. But being out in the sun often leads to unkissable, uncute lips, so be prepared.

  • Workout clothes. Want to go for a run? Rock climbing? A hike? If so, those flip-flops and jeans aren't going to cut it. Bring one workout outfit so you can really enjoy some exercise during your vacation.

  • A light jacket. True, you're headed somewhere warm. But it might get a tiny bit cold at night -- and you might be grateful for bringing a little jacket, just in case.

  • Nail polish. Only for those of you with pedicures, of course, but who wants a chip in their polish on the first day? Bring something to mend the little nicks you'll inevitably get from dipping your tootsies in the sand day after day.

  • Homework, if applicable. It may not be at the top of your list, but it should definitely be somewhere on it if you have homework to do.

  • Something non-academic to read. You work all academic year to exercise your brain. Give your mind something relaxing, too, by reading something nice and silly.

View the original article here

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Thinking of Spring Break? Don't Forget about a Summer Job

Spring Break is so close for many college students ... only one, two, or three more weeks and you can enjoy your hard-earned break from papers, reading, exams, and midterms! Yahoo!

Not to sound like a Negative Nancy, but one important thing to keep on your to-do-before-Spring-Break list, however, is to apply for summer jobs (or at least get ready to). A few simple steps you can take now will make your summer much, much easier (and possibly more profitable):

  • Get your resume looked over by the campus Career Center
  • Start talking to family and friends about what summer job openings they might know about
  • Start looking online for summer job options
  • Consider working on campus this summer if you think doing so might be right for you
  • Try to set up interviews for any open positions the next time you're home -- including over your Spring Break

View the original article here

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Spring Break Guide

Spring Break can be one of the highlights of your spring semester -- if not your entire college experience. But with so many options, how's a college student to pick how to spend his or her time?

In this guide, you'll find information no matter what your situation. Not sure where to even start? Already have ideas but aren't sure how to pay for your plans? Have a general idea of what you want to do but need to finalize the specifics? Find all you need to know in the guide below.

I Don't Even Know Where to Start

Not sure where to start, but know you want to do something? Look over these 10 suggestions to get a general idea of what you think you'll want to do -- and then head back here to fine-tune your plans.

I Need to Get Off Campus -- ASAP

Need to get away? Not sure where to go? Check out these ideas of good locales for college Spring Break excursions.

I'd Like to Focus on Having Fun and Doing Good

Want to treat yourself to an enjoyable Spring Break while helping others in the process? Think about volunteering during your time off from class.

I Need to Focus on My Academics

Need to focus on your academics? Thinking about pursuing graduate school? Spring Break can be a great time to get ahead on both.

I Just Need to Relax!

Interested in doing ... well, nothing over your Spring Break? Letting yourself rest, relax and rewind just may be the best way to spend your Spring Break.

No Matter What I Do, I Need to Save Money

Just because Spring Break is coming up doesn't mean your budget is ready. Making your hard-earned dollars stretch a little further during your break just may make a good idea into a great experience.


View the original article here

Spring Break Ideas

Ten Easy Spring Break Ideasc 2008 Kelci Lynn licensed to About.com, Inc.

Not sure what to do for your Spring Break? It may be your first year at school; it may be your last. No matter what your situation, these ten ideas will provide you with some options that may be just what you need this time of year.


1. Relax at School

When classes are in session, you are constantly on the go. Use this time to just relax and do nothing while still on campus. If your situation allows, don't let yourself do any homework for the whole week. Watch movies, sleep in, and just rejuvenate and relax before you head into the last part of the Spring semester. (There may be more ways than you think to relax while at school.)

2. Relax Somewhere Tropical

Swaying palm trees. The sound of the ocean. Frozen drinks with umbrellas in them. The smell of suntan lotion and the feeling of sand between your toes. Need I say more? (Except, perhaps, to note that you can find discounted airfare for students to make that sunshine feel even better!)

3. Take a Road Trip

Is your roommate driving home for Spring Break? Can you catch a ride with him or her, and hang out for a few days? Does your friend need a way to get home, and you need somewhere to go? Hit the road and, with the time you have off, take the long way.

4. Volunteer Locally

Think about the last time you volunteered. Didn't it make you feel 100% better and rejuvenated? Find somewhere to volunteer over your Spring Break. If the city your school is in is different than your hometown, this can be a great way to get to know (and give back to!) your adopted new community.

5. Volunteer Internationally

Lots of programs are now available for college students to volunteer internationally during their spring breaks. Check with your Student Activities office, your campus volunteer center, or local organizations for ways to spend your Spring Break volunteering abroad.

6. Catch up, Catch up

Catch up on your homework. Catch up on your sleep. Catch up on your "life chores," like balancing your bank account, updating your resume, and doing your laundry. Think of how great you'll feel when you're not stressed for time and your life is all in order once classes begin again!

7. Visit Home

There's nothing wrong with just wanting to head home to see your folks, do your laundry, and eat some good, home-cooked meals. Besides, when is the last time you woke up to the smell of someone cooking breakfast?

8. Meet Non-College Friends Somewhere

Your best friend from high school went to one coast for college, you went to the other. Arrange to catch up in person and meet somewhere in the middle, preferably in a city neither of you has been to before.

9. Take a Trip by Yourself

You're surrounded by people while at school. Why not hop on a bus, plane, or train and head somewhere alone? Go check out museums on your own time, eat where and what you want to eat, and stay where you want to. It might be the first time in a long time that you haven't had to share a room with anyone.

10. Bring the Vacation to You

Short on funds? Time? Both? Trying to stick to a budget? Treat yourself (and your friends!) to a mini-vacation in your room or apartment. Buy string-up palm tree lights, some leis, and music from any tropical locale. Find something, anything, coconut scented and let it permeate your room. Wear summer clothes, invite people over, and let the vacation begin!


View the original article here

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Getting Some Quality Rest Over Break

Now that Christmas is over (and Hanukkah is just about to conclude as well), chances are things are finally calming down for you during your break. The shopping, visitors, cooking, and planning are mostly over, meaning you really, truly have the chance to get some bona fide rest.

Getting some high-quality rest and relaxation over your college breaks is critical for starting the new semester recharged and ready to go. After all, letting yourself relax and giving yourself some TLC involves more than just sleeping in! Check out 7 easy ways to relax over your break for some quick tips and tricks.


View the original article here