When people think of “college spring break,” they think of constant partying, drinking, and bad decision-making. I hate to break it to you, but real spring breaks don’t go that stereotypical way. Heading home for my first spring break as a college student, I am not expecting anything too different from my usual school vacations. All I know is that I’m excited to eat my mom’s cooking, sleep in my own bed, and be with my hometown friends without having to spend my life's savings.

Expectation: Hopping on a plane to a tropical location.

It's common to see pictures of groups of friends smiling at a camera, wearing fedoras and sunglasses. You have your passports stamped ready for a flight to Mexico or the Bahamas.

Reality: Sitting on a cramped bus ride back home.

Unless you have money to drop on an expensive plane ticket, the only person you're handing a ticket to is the coach bus driver. It's time for you to put your duffel bag on the overhead shelf and sit uncomfortably close to a stranger on a long ride home.

Expectation: Laying on the beach in the blazing sun.

You spread out your towel on the warm sand so you have a comfortable place to lay until the sun goes down. You'll probably regret not putting on sunscreen, but right now, all that matters is getting an impressive tan.

Reality: Conforming your body to your living room couch.

Sorry, but the beach is going to have to wait. Instead of rubbing on tanning oil, the only thing that will take over your body is a big, fleece blanket. It will keep you toasty warm for the continual hours you spend on the couch while also becoming the enemy for hiding the TV remote.

Expectation: Taking an enjoyably endless road trip to a warm place.

 

You jump in your car and get ready for a lengthy journey. The GPS is set to take you to either Myrtle or Daytona Beach. You and your friends blast the latest hits with a fully packed car of suitcases and snacks.

 

Reality: Getting stuck in continual highway traffic. 

It's unlikely anyone will want to spend that much money on gas or be the designated driver for the ride, but a long car trip will probably end up becoming a part of your spring vacation. Being trapped in rush hour will leave you feeling tense with no one around to duet with.

Expectation: Dancing for hours by a hotel pool.

The DJ has the remixes blasting and the floor is shaking. You grab your friends' hands and start dancing to every beat. Everyone around you is moving and the music takes over the whole area.

Reality: Playing board and card games in a friends’ basement.

Save your best moves for a game of charades. It’s time to whip out the Monopoly board and Uno cards for some seriously competitive business. Although no one gets anything actually valuable for winning, the satisfaction of a victory will leave you with supreme bragging rights.

Expectation: Watching the sunset of the ocean.

Your group positions chairs on a hotel room balcony or hangs their legs over a cliff to watch the sun go down. It feels just like a dream. You take in the beauty of the sky while snapping pictures for your Snapchat story.

Reality: Binge-watching a series on Netflix.

The real spring break dream is hours of uninterrupted Netflix time. It’s okay, the popular routine will still make your Snapchat story, along with everyone else's. The only items you position are a bowl of popcorn and a soft pillow.

Expectation: Doing something crazy and spontaneous every day.

 

The reason all of the crazy events that happen on college spring breaks occur is because of an early morning alarm. Kayaking, jet skiing, and snorkeling are just some of the adventures you hope to embark on during a week of freedom, but the hours are limited.

 

Reality: Going back to your senior year life.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but heading back home will presumably lead to reverting back to your old high school ways. Senior year was the most unrestrained time of those four years, since you finally had your license as a key to get out of your house. The only rarity in the late-night diner runs and house parties is that you haven't done any of them before you left for college.

Expectation: Hanging out with your best friends 24/7.

Boarding the plane, laying on the beach, dancing, and fun car rides are all done with your good ol' pals by your side. You're ready to make some insane memories in an unknown place, liberated from your parents.

Reality: Hanging out with your best friends 24/7.

Yes, you read it right. Even though you aren’t on a tropical island paradise, you're still making memories with the people you used to spend every day with before going your separate ways. The distance has only brought everyone closer and more grateful for the unbreakable friendships. They'll never let you have a boring spring break, no matter where you are.