Holidays are some of the few things that help make Fall semester bearable. From Halloween to Thanksgiving, Christmas to New Years -- not to mention all of the game days and other campus events that kick off our first semester back at school -- we college students have a monthly excuse to avoid class for a few days, dress up for a theme, and spend an entire week pregaming preparing for a festive blowout.
Unfortunately, with second semester approaching and New Years Eve 2015 now just the memory of a hangover, there aren't many exciting holidays to get us through until summer.
1. Valentine's Day
This holiday gets a bad rap because, unless you're in a relationship being showered in chocolates and presents, it can be a constant reminder of how sad and alone you are. But there's a silver lining! Valentine's Day gives you an excuse to throw a mixer in the spirit of finding true love. Or if that fails, take enough pink heart-shaped jello shots to guarantee a quick makeout before the night's end.
2. Presidents' Day (February 16th)
To be honest, I have no idea how this holiday originated or what the point of it is. Who cares though, we get a Monday off of school! Which means that Sunday night is available for a big America themed party without the worry of having to get up for your 8am the next morning. And if there's one thing college students like more than skipping class, it's dressing up in Red White & Blue and shotgunning beers in the spirit of patriotism.
3. Saint Patrick's Day (March 17th)
This is a holiday that has so much potential but, unless you live in a metropolitan area with a large Irish population, often gets overlooked. Don't worry though, I promise that this isn't just a holiday for alcoholics and Irish-Catholic grandmothers! Let me tell you, there is hands down nothing better than dressing up like Charlie's green man from It's Always Sunny, hitting up your local parade/house party, and chugging Guinness and Jameson as you run around playing a competitive game of "who can find the most gingers."
4. Spring Break
Does this even need any explanation? Unless your parents force you to go visit your grandparents in Idaho every spring, I would hope that you look forward to Spring Break every year. If you want to break the bank, you have the opportunity to hit up places like Hawaii, Vegas, Cabo, and more. If you want to rob a bank, we've all seen Spring Breakers, it looks doable. Either way Spring Break is about 10 days of guaranteed fun, sun, and probably a lot of ratchet frat guys down in Panama City Beach. Disclaimer: cut all ties with your family during this week because any pictures or texts they receive from you will make them disappointed.
5. April 20th
Does anyone actually know how the whole 4/20 thing began? Regardless, we all know what it means. For all our stoner friends out there, this is pretty much just an average day in the books. But it does provide everyone else with a foolproof excuse to light up on Memorial Glade and get their yearly dose of the good stuff. It's medicinal, I swear.
6. Cinco de Mayo (May 5th)
For many students, this is one of the last opportunities to party before finals. It's a celebration of Mexican culture and marks the victory of a battle during their war for independence. So you can celebrate it like the 4th of July, but with more tequila. Like St. Patrick's Day, it's a really a great way to gain some knowledge on another culture. And start drinking margaritas at 7am.
While spring semester might pale in comparison to the festivities offered in the fall, there are still many opportunities to throw on your favorite holiday outfit and throw down with your friends. And if these holidays still don't do it for you, well at least summer is only five months away...
