It's that time of the semester again where motivation goes down, stress goes up and apparently the weather gets really nice for a day and then freezing the next. Either way its that time of the year where the only thing you want is for Spring Break to come faster. But then you think, what am I going to do over Spring Break? I can't just sit at home the whole time! Or can I? I can't afford to fly anywhere hot and majestic! So in light of our situation as students who want to have a great Spring Break, but don't necessarily have the funds to do it here are seven things to do over your break on a budget.

1. Go on a spontaneous road trip with your best friends!

Yeah gas can be expensive, but hey, grab a group of friends and drive a state over. All that gas money mixed together with a short distance to go won't be too bad on your bank account. A small adventure can still make for one of the best memories ever, so just go for it!

2. Spend much needed time with your pet!

Being away from your pet is probably the worst thing about being away at school, so take this week of break and spend it cuddling up with your oh so adorable pet. No matter what kind of animal you have, a pet is a pet and you want those cuddles! And maybe you could even take them for an adventure! Walk them in a forest preserve or something! (This one really depends on what critter you have).

3. Finish that book you've been trying to read all semester!

Being a reader, and also being at school is one of the toughest things. You really want to read that new book you got, but you have to read your textbook so much you just don't have the energy to read for pleasure. So take that time to finish that book! Read to your hearts desire, because you know you probably wont be able to when you get back to school!

4. Take a trip downtown!

I don't know about you, but one of the funnest things to do while home for break is taking the train downtown and just walking around. Going to Millennium Park. Looking at all the sky scrapers, but even if you don't live near a huge city like Chicago, it's still nice to go into town. Walk around the streets with friends or alone. Just taking a breather from school and looking around you.

5. Cook dinner with your family!

Being away at school really gives you an independence you never had in the past. Its a wonderful thing, but can also be completely overwhelming. So take a step back. You want that homemade meal? Help make it! You might not feel the need to spend time with your family when home, but they have missed you! Cook with them! Share some stories and laughs. They will never forget it. Plus you get a super tasty meal that you now know how to cook...

6. Go to a free concert!

I know those are hard to come by sometimes, but just by doing a little research, you can find crazy amazing things! Maybe you'll find a couple bands that sound shady and strange, but you go and its the most amazing music you've ever heard. Maybe you find one and go and it's really bad music, but no matter what, you let go and dance. You talk to people, dance with your friends and just jam to that band you've never heard of and might not ever hear of again. That being said, there is always the potential of meeting the next whoever!

7. RELAX!

I know being on break makes you feel like you really have to go out and do crazy things. Spend every second of every day with people, but a break is a BREAK. And being at school is stressful, as I said before. So take a moment and relax. Watch your favorite movie. Sleep in past noon. Heck sleep all day! Just take this Spring Break to really calm yourself and prepare yourself to KICK BUTT the rest of the semester!

Happy Spring Break!