Spring Break Tips for Broke College Students

This article is brought to you by GradGuard. We protect college students and their families from the financial risks of college life, like providing a refund for tuition or replacing a stolen backpack when your school may not. When the unexpected happens, GradGuard’s tuition insurance and renters insurance can help you get back on track.

Spring break offers a much-needed break from the bustle and hustle of your college life. If you are lucky enough to have free time during spring break, whether it be the entire break or just a few days free from your part-time job, take the opportunity to do something your typical routine doesn’t allow you to do.

Unfortunately, for most college students, their spring break plans are limited to their tight budgets. Don’t let your budget stop you from taking advantage of your upcoming spring break. Keep reading for spring break tips for broke college students.

Photo: Pexels

Set realistic expectations

Is there something that you really want to do during spring break? While your ideal spring break could be based on something you’ve seen in a movie or heard recounted through a friend, that spring break may not be achievable for your current financial situation. Rather than dreaming up an entire itinerary of activities to fill up your spring break, focus on one aspect that would make or break your spring break.

For some, it’s a destination, while for others, it’s an activity. When you set out to plan your spring break, focus on at least one priority. This way, you start out with planning around one thing you really want and get a clearer idea of what you can do with your budget.

For example, let’s say you really want to fly out to a location with a beach. This means you will have to plan to pay for a flight and housing accommodation during your stay, giving you a clearer picture of what you have left over in your budget for your daily itinerary. On the other hand, if you really want to do an activity but don’t care about where it’s done, it gives you more room to plan freely with your budget if it is only a day trip versus a week-long trip.

Opt for places with student discounts

Depending on where you live, or where you are planning on spending your spring break, you may find yourself with opportunities to use your student status for discounts. Going to local museums based on your interests (art, science, history, etc.) is a great way to fill up your spring break itinerary without taking a major hit to your budget.

Take advantage of the outdoors

If your goal is to spend your spring break out and about, things can get expensive very quickly. Whether you are going to festivals, movie theaters, concerts, restaurants, or cafes, your spending can rack up quickly during spring break.

If weather permits, take advantage of the outdoors by planning out activities during spring break. If you live near a lake or a beach, plan for a beach or lake day with friends. The activity can be as budget-friendly as you want it to be – pack your own food, find free parking, skip renting out a boat or other water equipment, and so on.

Alternatively, look for other outdoor activities that don’t require you to travel for, and plan out a day hiking or having a picnic in the park with friends. This is a relatively inexpensive activity for most, especially when you do not have to travel far or pick a location where there is free parking.

Host at your place 

There’s nothing wrong with spending time at home during spring break. If you and some friends are staying in the area for spring break, plan some hangouts between friends. There’s plenty to be done indoors, especially on tight budgets.

Movie marathons, craft nights, video game tournaments, and spa days or nights are just some of the many activities you can plan on a limited budget. Alternate whose friend’s place you spend time at for a change of scenery, and not dump hosting duties on one person.

If you want to replicate a night out, you can do a makeshift bar crawl between your friends. If your apartments are within walking difference, each person’s apartment can be a different bar with different decor, drinks, and menus. If your apartments aren’t within walking distance, host the night at one person’s apartment. To replicate going to different places, have each person bring their own cocktails and appetizers to share among the group.

Visit home

If you don’t live with family for college, consider spending some time back home during your spring break. Not only do you not have to spend money on accommodations when you can stay at your family home, but you are going to be familiar with the area and know how to make the most of your current budget.

Spending time with friends and family can be fulfilling and give you a break from the stress college life brings.

Spring break doesn’t have to mean endless credit card charges for you to have a fun and meaningful break. By prioritizing what you think will bring you the most happiness during your much-needed time break, you can get the most out of your break without breaking your budget completely.

It’s no secret that college costs a lot of money. Make sure your investment in higher education is protected with GradGuard. Our affordable tuition insurance and renters insurance plans are specifically designed for college students. Customizable plans make it easy to protect your tuition, room and board, laptop, bike, and so much more.