After I got back to my room after class on the first day of school, I remember thinking, “Can spring break be here yet?” And it finally is! Two long and exhausting months later, it’s finally time to take a whole week off school and have some fun without the stress of schoolwork for the first time in what feels like years. At the time time, there are still some things to keep in mind on this mini-vacation in March, which is why I’ve assembled these 5 Do’s and Don’ts: Spring Break Edition.
Do: Take the Break You Need
​Don’t: Get Behind
As the saying goes, out of sight is out of mind. When you’re away from Mercer, it’s easy to forget about everything Mercer-related, and that includes homework. Spring break is a great time to take a much needed break from schoolwork, but at the same time, don’t completely check out from the academic reality. We’re students – we’re going to have tests, midterms, reading assignments, projects, and problem sets until we graduate. It’s okay to lay the work aside – just don’t forget that it’s still there.
Do: Take Advantage of the Sunlight
Don’t: Get Burned
Let’s be real – the weather lately has been more like December than March. So if you are going somewhere warm and sunny like the beach, be sure to keep your skin safe! What’s best is if you use moisturizer with sunscreen in it daily, but if you’re like me, you don’t. About an hour before you go outside, put sunscreen on so that it has time to absorb into your skin, and when you’re outside enjoying the sun, reapply it every two hours. Drink lots of water and spend some time in the shade, and you’ll come back glowing!
Do: Have Fun
Don’t: Be Reckless
Whether you’re in Panama City or Destin, or at a party in your hometown, remember to look after yourself and be smart. Spring break is a notorious time for students to get crazy, and there are definitely people out there looking for someone to take advantage of. So wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, keep your friends around you, know the address of the location, keep an eye on your drink, and be aware of your surroundings. At the same time, I’m not advising you to look at everyone around you with a suspicious eye. Go out and have fun – that’s what spring breaks are for – but ensure you make it home.
Do: Carry Cash
Don’t: Rely on your Credit Card
For me, it’s easier to use a card than to pull cash out of my wallet. It’s so much more convenient, and you don’t even have to think about it! That’s why one of my tips for spring break is to use cash, and save the credit card for emergencies. When you’re spending cash, you see exacly how much money you’re handing over, and that will help you keep track of your spending and even inspire you to save your money for more important things. But don’t leave your card at home – it comes in handy when you need to buy something vital in a pinch.
Do: Make Memories
Don’t: Post All of Them
With smartphones, it’s never been easier to be ready to take photos and videos in seconds. And with smartphones, it’s never been easier to post those pictures and videos on Facebook. When you’re doing something fun with your best friend, it’s natural to want to document the experience so that you can all sit down together and laugh over the events of that night or that week. However, be careful about what you post on Facebook – once you put it up, you can take it down, but a version of it will still exist somewhere on the internet, and you never know who might be looking. Take a hint from The Hangover and keep some things between you and your three closest friends.Â