Midterms may be looming now, but spring break is in sight. The week-long holiday is infamous for college students going on vacations to catch some sun on tropical beaches or hitting the slopes. However, if you’re like any ordinary college student, you probably have limited time and funds, and breaking the bank does not seem like a fun way to spend your vacation. No worries, there are plenty of ways to use the seven days to de-stress and have fun without putting a dent in your bank account.
1. Redbox
You can usually find the bulky red machine outside any convenient store, gas station or grocery store. Redbox carries the latest movies and adds new releases every Tuesday. DVDs are $1.20 per night; Blu-Rays are $1.50 per night, and games are $2 per night. Rent some movies, buy some snacks and spend the day marathoning movies while catching up with friends. It’s cheap, fast, and you get the luxury of staying indoors. Hint: enter DVD NIGHT and get a free movie. Promo code is only eligible for one use per card.
2. Outdoor Sports
If you’re itching to get some sun after spending half the semester stuck indoors for classes, there are excellent trails for biking and hiking around San Antonio. First off, there is the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System which includes multiple trails around the city. There is a paved trail that links all the trails, but if you are feeling adventurous, there are worn tracks off the main path. The closest trail to UTSA is the Leon Creek brewert trail that begins off I-10. Other popular biking trails are located at Brackenridge Park, King William’s District and Pearl Brewery. If you are looking for a bike to rent, the Rec Center offers free rentals of their equipment. You are eligible if you’re paying tuition and after an instructional class explaining how the equipment works.
3. South Texas Alamo Irish Festival
The South Texas Alamo Irish Festival is hosted by The Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas at University of the Incarnate Word on March 8 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entry fee is $5 for adults and free for active duty military with a valid ID and children under 12. The festival begins with a St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 11:30 a.m., a Football Tournament at 12:30 p.m. and will conclude with live entertainment including Irish and Celtic music. Traditional Irish cuisine and Guinness will also be available. Parking is free and available on the UIW campus.
4. The Boardwalk on Bulverde 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
If you’re looking for another St.Patrick’s Day event or just want to spend the day outside with friends and food, hit up Boardwalk on the Bulverde. The event is free and begins March 14 at 6 p.m. and continues until Sunday at 8 p.m. There will be a variety of food trucks to choose from, plus playscapes, an arcade and a moon bounce for kids, a mechanical bull and a live DJ. Unlike other times where beer is B.Y.O.B., beer will be available for purchase during the event.
5. Free shows at SXSW
The music portion of SXSW is hosted during spring break, as always. If you don’t mind chipping in for gas money, grab a group of friends and head to the festival and enjoy some of the free shows scattered around the venues. There is no music badge necessary to enter the free shows, and many take place at Waterloo Records located at 6th St. and N. Lamar. You will have to scout for the free shows, but they are worth it if you’re into the festival scene and enjoy live music.
6.Picnics and BBQs
Food is always a good idea. Most students are too busy with papers, projects and assignments to even say hello to their friends. Take a day and gather your friends for a BBQ or picnic. If the weather permits it, spend the day outside at a park or in a backyard with fresh food and great conversation. You will be able to enjoy the outdoors while hanging with your friends. As temperatures rise, grocery stores will start having sales on items such as hot dogs and buns, soda, and chips. Don’t forget to visit the coupon section at the front of H-E-B to help you reduce the total cost of your grocery trip.
7. Sleep
If you don’t want to spend your time outside or are too tired to, sleep is always the answer. The average college student does not get the recommended amount of sleep needed. Why not use some of your break to catch up on sleep? Your mind and body will thank you, and the best part is that its entirely free. All it costs is time, which, subtracting the time you would have spent in class, you could apply towards catching up on much needed Zs.
Whether you decide to spend your spring break outside, with friends or by yourself, use your seven days of vacation wisely. Having a great time doesn’t always include having to break your bank account. Be creative, have fun and rest up before you have to tackle the rest of the semester.
