College Resource Center

In a recent survey conducted by StuVu.com, college students across the country were asked “What did you do for spring break 2009?”. An overwhelming 47% majority said they visited home this spring break. The decision to visit home may be an indication of today’s economic downturn showing us that college students are not insulated from the recession despite the numerous travel deals you can find online. Regardless of the reason, many college students chose to visit home and get a much needed breather rather than go to a party destination after the grueling weeks leading up to spring break.

A large number of students, 24% of students surveyed, said they spent their week off working. Choosing to stay and work has become more and more common for students as they increasingly take on more responsibility for paying for their college education and living expenses.

Of the StuVu survey respondents, 16% said they chose to stay at school instead of heading out for spring break. Students in the sciences in particular find that their college professors haven’t felt the need to postpone their due dates to allow for spring break. Some students spent parts of their week off on homework and lab time.

Surprisingly, only 11% said they headed out to a party destination during spring break, a week characteristically known for partying on some warm sandy locations. Cancun Mexico which has traditionally been THE spring break destination for college students, with cheap beer and miles of beaches abound, has noticed a significant drop in thier spring break visitors this year. Perhaps the travel warning posted by the State Department advising students to be cautious while vacationing in Mexico, has had an effect on spring break travel plans. Not surprisingly, and perhaps because of the travel warnings and economic downturn, spring breakers who are out to party are choosing to stay in the United States for their spring break. As a result, ski destinations gained in popularity this year as well as some deserts spots like Lake Havasu.

President Obama’s push for volunteerism may be having an effect on college student’s spring break plans. A quietly growing trend among spring breakers, 2% of students said they volunteered their time and efforts to various projects. College campuses and organizations put together volunteer groups either locally or in other areas of the country as a spring break option.

No matter where the destination or the activity, spring breakers are bound to find some fun and time to relax before heading back to the realities of college life. It’s clear though that the economy is taking it’s toll on just how much partying and traveling is involved.