Graduate school doesn’t always allow for time off, and during the spring semester, not taking a spring break can make the January through May scholastic tasks feel like a marathon. But as a person who has spent many a “spring breaks” in BCS still going to work, but looking to make the weekend around the third week of March feel a little special, here are my tips for things to make your “staycation” in BCS feel more fun!

Try a restaurant you’ve never been to

In a perfect world, of course, you would try a local place- I would check out downtown Bryan, especially the breweries (sometimes they have food trucks!). Or maybe you treat yourself to a sit-down experience when you usually do take-out- having a reason to get a little dressed up and have someone else bring your food to you is always fun! And even if you can’t think of a local place to support- try a chain you’ve always been curious about! It doesn’t have to be exotic or crazy- if it’s new to you, it will still feel like the change in pace that spring break usually would be.

Get outside- explore a public park

There is a really surprising amount of outdoor space in BCS, and March is probably the perfect time to explore it! The public parks are spread throughout Bryan and College Station- as someone who misses being close to water, the Lake Walk area by the Stella Hotel and Lake Bryan are two of my favorite spots to feel like I’m escaping the hum-and-drum of campus a bit!

Take yourself to a movie

If we’re talking about really feeling far away without going far at all, the movies are definitely the place to go. Go with friends, or go on our own- I always forget that the movies are the perfect solo activity, it’s not like you can talk during them anyway! Plus, Cinemark does $5 student tickets, so you don’t have to go far or spend money to feel like you’re getting away!

Pool day extravaganza

Okay hear me out- if you have the energy and the time, this will actually make you feel like you went on a mini-spring-break! Head over to either a pool you have access to (you apartment complexes, your friends complex, or even the Rec!) and bring some drinks (no alcohol at the Rec, of course!), maybe some snacks, and a speaker or a good book- let yourself unwind for an afternoon or evening! Turn your phone off and promise yourself not to check your emails until you’ve thoroughly unwound poolside.

Whatever you decide to do this spring break, remember that if you’re in town, you can still take a break, have some fun, and recharge for the week ahead in spring-break-style!