As spring break approaches, college students may imagine beach trips, parties and adventures similar to what is often portrayed in movies and television. But for many students on campus, the reality of spring break looks far different from its Hollywood counterpart.
Senior Kirsten Moller, a health sciences major, said that while spring break can be exciting, movies tend to exaggerate what the real experience is like.
“Spring break can be a lot of fun, but the movies are definitely accelerating it to a point where it’s not as crazy and dangerous as it seems,” Moller said.
Many students associate spring break in movies with beach parties or high-energy trips with friends. However, students say their own plans are often more relaxed.
Senior Kayla Carpenter said she plans to travel to St. Martin with friends during the break, focusing more on spending time together than recreating the party-filled scenes often shown on screen.
“In shows, they usually make it out to be pretty wild and crazy,” Carpenter said. “I’d like to say I try to go crazy, but maybe I’m a bit more responsible.”
For other students, spring break is simply an opportunity to relax. One junior student who asked to remain unnamed said that while movies portray partying, drinking and traveling, their own plans are much simpler.
“I’m just going to the beach, maybe, and hanging out with my friends,” the student said. “I’m not doing anything crazy.”
The student also noted that the version of spring break typically shown in movies can feel unrealistic for many students.
“It’s more of a money game,” the student said. “A lot of people I know work the most during spring break.”
Campus staff say that regardless of how students choose to spend the week, preparation and safety should remain a priority. Catt Workman, the sexual violence prevention specialist on campus, said students should be mindful when traveling to unfamiliar places.
“You’re usually in a place that you’re unfamiliar with,” Workman said. “What your normal routine looks like here might feel very different somewhere else.”
Workman added that spring break can take many forms depending on the student.
“The movies always make spring break look so much fun,” Workman said. “But there are a lot of different options, and you have to do what’s true to you.”
Elianny Nunez can be contacted at
