Expectations vs. Reality: A College Student’s Spring Break | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Expectations vs. Reality: A College Student’s Spring Break

We don't want to believe it, but it's the truth.

54
Expectations vs. Reality: A College Student’s Spring Break
Google Images

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.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

132669
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

30789
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

28304
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments