For some U students, Spring Break means wild parties in tropical locations and/or life-altering service trips, but for others, the time off translates to a week-long nap and extra homework time.
Joe Curisinche, a senior in Asian studies, said his job requires him to stay close to home over break. Although Curisinche is sad he won’t be traveling, he’s fine with having downtime.
“I think the best part is going outside to relax and perhaps sleep under a tree,” he said.
Curisinche isn’t the only one excited about sleeping in. A 2014 National Center for Biotechnology Information article reports 70 percent of college students are not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can cause lower academic performance, impair mood and increase risk of car accidents. While it’s not a cure, Spring Break can be a convenient time for students to catch up on deep sleep.
Rachael Olsen, a senior in linguistics, said she’s staying home because she wants to focus on her studies for her last semester.
“I do feel as though people don’t appreciate staying home for the break as much, or that they look down on your plans to stay home as if you don’t have anything better to do or that you’re not a cool person,” Olsen said.
However, Olsen said she believes it’s possible to have fun at home and she’s most excited about spending time with her friends.
“It’s been a busy semester, and I haven’t been able to see some people as much as I’d like to,” Olsen said. “It’s good to have a chance to relax and chat up with a friend you haven’t seen for a while.”
Curisinche said he’s glad he won’t be spending a lot of money on traveling. He suggested people who stay in town for the break should still try to do something new within Salt Lake City.
“There are so many great things to do. Don’t waste [the break] by staying at home,” Curisinche said.
Olsen said she thinks the downside of staying in town is not experiencing a new place and having to listen to other people’s stories when they get back. However, she recommends people take a day trip to somewhere like the Bonneville Salt Flats or visit some local restaurants they haven’t tried.
“Use this time to explore things in Utah that you’ve never had a chance to experience before,” Olsen said.
@Ehmannky