Spring break is only a week away! And while many of us are headed home or perhaps to an exotic destination, others are staying local. Here are some ideas to spice up your South Bend staycation!
Have an adventure downtown
Many ND students are wary of downtown South Bend. Despite its slightly sketchy appearance, there is plenty of fun to be had. Attend a concert at The Pool or the Fiddler’s Hearth Open Stage; you never know what great musicians are right under your nose. If you’re into affordable food and a cozy atmosphere, check out Chicory Cafe! They have amazing artichoke dip, board games, and exciting coffee concoctions.
Act like an adult
Okay so technically we are adults, but it often doesn’t feel like it when everything is provided for us on campus. Try something new by going to the grocery store with your stay-cation buddies and getting ingredients for a recipe you’ve been wanting to try. Once you get back to the dorm, scavenge for the appropriate cooking utensils and get to work! For an enhanced experience, drive a minivan to the grocery store and listen to the news on the way.
Binge on Netflix
If you’d rather stay in, there’s always a new show to indulge in on Netflix. Try Reign, House of Cards, or Arrested Development. There’s also no shame in rewatching all of Friends, Gilmore Girls, or Gossip Girl. Throw on your comfiest ND sweats and settle in for the long haul.
Explore campus
Rushing between classes, clubs, and sports, it’s easy to forget that we go to a school that is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful in the nation. So, why not use this opportunity to really look around this gorgeous campus of ours? Put on the Rudy soundtrack or some good Irish folk and go for a stroll. See how many buildings you can visit, and notice the little details that make this place unique. If you want to add some excitement, look up Notre Dame geocaches!
Pick up a new hobby
A week is a perfect amount of time to start something new. Pick up the guitar that’s been sitting in a corner all year and look up some Youtube videos. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to try knitting or have been itching to hone your creative writing side? Be patient and have fun with it!
Treat Yo Self
A tribute to the fabulous duo of Donna Meagle and Tom Haverford from Parks and Recreation, Treat Yo Self can be whatever you want it to be. If you want to do some lavish spending, so be it. Get a massage or a pedicure, a new haircut or color, or anything else that makes you feel beautiful and pampered. Bonus points if you live tweet throughout the day.
Get ahead
For those feeling motivated, Spring Break is a prime time to get ahead in your classes. It’s easy to get overwhelmed during the semester, so taking the time to read ahead could really pay off.
When someone mentions a staycation, everyone feels a little pity inside, but this need not be the case! Have fun, take pictures and enjoy yourself, and your South Bend staycation will be as good as anyone else’s break.
Follow HCND on Twitter, like us on Facebook, Pin with us and show our Instagram some love!