How Long is Spring Break in College for Students
The last day of spring break for college students is typically determined by the academic calendar of their respective universities. Most universities have a set date when classes are due to resume after the break, and this date usually falls within a certain range.
Religious observances may also be taken into account when determining how long college students’ spring break will last; some schools may even extend it beyond the usual date if necessary.
College students can check their academic calendar to find out how long is spring break for their university. It’s sure to be a much-needed respite from studying and midterm exams, so make the most of it!
The sunny days of spring break are celebrated by American students across the United States! From the University of North Carolina to Central Connecticut State University, college students look forward to these days off from school and are often eager to explore new destinations.
One popular spring break location is Panama City Beach, Florida – a hotspot for college-age people looking to have a wild time!
Here’s the scoop on how long spring break is in college!
The Time Frame for Spring Break
The usual time frame for spring break is typically around one week but some institutions may extend it to two weeks. The break is meant to provide relief from exams and assignments before the end of their classes. It is also a key time for open registration to choose classes for the following semester.
College spring break typically falls between late February and early April, but a due date may vary depending on each college or university’s academic calendar. This is due to many universities and colleges following national holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Easter.
Religious Holidays
Many schools and universities also take into account religious holidays when determining their academic calendar. These days off are often celebrated by students of varying faiths such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
The fall semester may include a day off for Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur, while the spring semester may include Easter Holidays.
How Spring Break is Taken in the United States
While spring break gives all students the chance to relax and step away from academics, most students see it as an opportunity to party and travel. This isn’t abnormal behavior as the trend has been traced back to the ancient Greeks.
Many college students take the opportunity of their spring break to explore new places and embark on exciting adventures with family members or friends. For example, some may plan a road trip to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, or Ann Arbor, Michigan – two of the most popular destinations for spring breakers.
Spring break is an exciting time of year for college students across the country, and many flock to popular vacation spots such as Las Vegas, New Orleans, Myrtle Beach, the Twin Cities, Southern California, Baltimore County, or Central Florida.
But while these destinations are great for some, others have different needs that may not be met by these traditional spring break hotspots.
Transfer students in particular often find it difficult to plan a trip due to the lack of flexibility with their credits and coursework. Social work majors also need to consider how they can make their time away from school meaningful and productive, rather than just a week of partying.
Traditions
Spring break traditions vary across colleges and universities, but some of the most popular activities include beach trips, cultural tours, and international excursions. Many students use this time to relax and unwind after a busy semester of classes, exams, and other activities.
For graduate students, spring break is also around the withdrawal deadline for classes without penalty or to enjoy a well-deserved vacation before the start of their next semester.
As college students eagerly anticipate the sunny days of spring break, priority registration is often on their minds. With classes and activities filling up quickly leading up to the end of a semester, it’s always a good idea to get ahead of the crowd when registering for courses in the upcoming term.
While some may choose to spend their spring break at popular destinations like Daytona Beach or Cancun, others are more likely to enjoy relaxing snow days curled up with a cup of hot cocoa and Netflix marathon.
Whatever your preference, make sure you take advantage of this time off from school by planning ahead for next semester!
Spring Break Falling on Memorial Day
When many college students think of spring break, they typically imagine a relaxing spring break trip to the beach or a fun-filled weekend with friends and family. However, for some students, the start of spring break coincides with Memorial Day in the United States.
Memorial Day is an important federal holiday that honors those who have died while serving in the nation’s armed forces. To commemorate and remember the fallen, many college students may choose to volunteer their time or participate in local events and ceremonies during this time of year.
Spring break is a popular vacation period for college students in the United States, often spent at beach destinations or other popular tourist spots.
Unfortunately, this time of year is also associated with increased risks of alcohol poisoning and underage drinking. Although fun activities are a part of the traditional spring break experience, the potential health and legal dangers posed by excessive drinking.
Fall Break
Some private schools even have extended breaks such as fall break or labor day holiday, which give students more time away from residence halls and classrooms in one academic year.
During this time of year, you can find plenty of college students lounging by the pool or hot tubs – soaking up the sun and taking advantage of their well-deserved vacation to South Padre Island and more!
Other schools may have extended breaks such as winter break, fall semester recess, summer session, Thanksgiving Break, state holidays, and spring semester recess which give students more time to recover from final examinations and hectic school days where they are required to turn in projects for final grades.
Some breaks can vary at each college depending on the amount of missed days for natural disasters like snow and ice.
Spring Break Dates for Colleges & Universities
Northeastern University
One of many universities that offers its students a break during the academic year. The school holidays usually fall sometime between late November and early December, depending on how the university’s academic calendar is set.
Northeastern University spring break dates: March 14th through the 21st.
Southern Methodist University
A private university located in Dallas, Texas. The university was founded in 1911 and is home to over 11,000 students from all around the world. SMU students have the opportunity to enjoy the city of Dallas during their spring break by visiting popular attractions such as the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden or Six Flags Over Texas.
Southern Methodist University: March 14th-18th
Texas Christian University (TCU)
A private, co-educational university located in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded in 1873, TCU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges and schools with over 8,000 students enrolled.
During their spring break, TCU students enjoy the lively atmosphere of Fort Worth and all its attractions including Sundance Square and the Fort Worth Zoo.
Texas Christian University: March 4th-14th
George Mason University
George Mason University (GMU) is a public research university located in Fairfax County, Virginia. Founded in 1956, GMU is home to over 33,000 students from all around the world who come to study a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
During their spring recess, George Mason University students can enjoy the vibrant culture and attractions of Washington DC, such as the Smithsonian Institution, the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House.
George Mason University: March 13th-19th
Ball State University
A public research university located in Muncie, Indiana. Established in 1918 as the Ball Teachers College, it has since grown to become one of the largest universities in the state. During spring break, Ball State University students enjoy all that Muncie has to offer including White River Park for outdoor activities and Minnetrista Cultural Center for cultural experiences.
The city also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year such as Middfest International, which celebrates international cultures through music, art, and food.
Ball State University: March 9th-14th
Michigan State University
Michigan State University (MSU) is a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. Founded in 1855, MSU has grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States with over 50,000 students enrolled across its 17 degree-granting colleges and schools.
During their spring break, MSU students have numerous opportunities to explore the city of East Lansing and all it has to offer such as visiting the Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum or attending sporting events at Spartan Stadium.
Michigan State University: March 4th-11th
Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is a public research university located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Established in 1849, EMU offers over 200-degree programs and serves more than 20,000 students from around the world.
During their spring break, EMU students can enjoy all that the city of Ypsilanti has to offer such as exploring historic sites like Depot Town or attending cultural events at Riverside Arts Center.
Eastern Michigan University: February 28th- March 6th
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University is a private research university located in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1826, the university has grown to become one of the largest universities in Ohio with over 11,000 students enrolled across its 10 schools and colleges.
During their spring break, Case Western Reserve University students can explore all that Cleveland has to offer such as visiting world-class attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or attending events at Playhouse Square Center.
Spring break dates: March 13th-17th
Indiana State University
Indiana State University (ISU) is a public university located in Terre Haute, Indiana. During their spring break, ISU students can enjoy all that Terre Haute has to offer such as exploring historical sites like Hulman & Company or attending cultural events at Clabber Girl Museum.
Dates for spring break: March 4th-11th
Butler University
Butler University is a private university located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1855, Butler has grown to become one of the largest universities in the state with more than 6,000 students enrolled across its seven colleges and schools.
During their spring break, Butler University students can enjoy all that Indianapolis has to offer such as exploring world-class attractions like the Indianapolis Museum of Art or attending sporting events at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Spring break dates: March 4th-11th
Wright State University
Wright State University is a public research university located in Dayton, Ohio. Established in 1967, the university has grown to become one of the largest universities in the state with over 18,000 students enrolled across its eight colleges and schools.
During the spring break, Wright State University students can enjoy all that Dayton has to offer such as exploring world-class attractions like Carillon Historical Park or attending events at Schuster Performing Arts Center.
Spring break dates: February 27th-March 4th
Duquesne University
Duquesne University is a private Catholic university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During their spring break, Duquesne University students have numerous opportunities to explore all that Pittsburgh has to offer such as visiting world-class attractions like PNC Park or attending events at Heinz Hall.
Spring break: March 11th-20th
John Carroll University
John Carroll University is a private Jesuit Catholic university located in University Heights, Ohio. Founded in 1886, the university has grown to become one of the largest universities in the state with over 4,400 students enrolled across its five schools and colleges.
John Carroll offers numerous outdoor activities for students during their spring break including hiking trails at Garfield Park Reservation and canoeing on the Cuyahoga River.
Spring break: March 5th-14th
Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington) is a public university located in Bloomington, Indiana. During their spring break, IU Bloomington students have numerous opportunities to explore all that Bloomington has to offer such as visiting world-class attractions like WonderLab Museum or attending events at The Venue at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Spring break: March 12th-21st
Oregon State University
Oregon State University (OSU) is a public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon. During their spring break, OSU students can enjoy all that Corvallis has to offer such as exploring world-class attractions like The Arts Center or attending sporting events at Gill Coliseum.
Additionally, OSU offers numerous outdoor activities for students during their spring break including biking trails at McDonald Forest and kayaking on the Willamette River.
Spring break: March 25th- April 2nd
Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University (CSU) is a public university located in Cleveland, Ohio. Established in 1964, CSU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs to students from around the world.
CSU offers numerous outdoor activities for students during their spring break including biking trails at Edgewater Park and kayaking on Lake Erie.
Spring break: March 13th-20th
Depauw University
Depauw University is a private liberal arts college located in Greencastle, Indiana. Founded in 1837, the university has grown to become one of the most prestigious universities in the state with over 2,400 students enrolled across its three schools and colleges.
Depauw offers numerous opportunities for students during their spring break including exploring world-class attractions like Putnam County Museum or attending events at DePauw Performing Arts Center.
Spring break: March 26th- April 3rd
Denison University
Denison University is a private liberal arts college located in Granville, Ohio. Founded in 1831, Denison has grown to become one of the most prestigious universities in the state with over 2,200 students enrolled across its five schools and colleges.
During their spring break, Denison students have numerous opportunities to explore all that Granville has to offer such as visiting world-class attractions like The Works or attending events at Mitchell Center for the Arts.
Spring break: March 13th-17th
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University is a public university located in Greenville, Ohio. Established in 1887, GSU has grown to become one of the largest universities in the state with over 7,000 students enrolled across its eight schools and colleges.
This university offers numerous activities for students during their spring break including visiting world-class attractions like The National Museum of Natural History or attending events at The Apollo Theater.
Spring break: March 4th-11th
Siena College
Siena College is a private, Catholic college located in Loudonville, New York. Founded in 1937 by the Franciscan Brothers of St. Francis of Assisi, Siena offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and minors as well as over 30 graduate programs to students from around the world.
During their spring break, Siena students can enjoy all that Loudonville has to offer such as exploring world-class attractions like Schuyler Mansion or attending sporting events at The Alumni Recreation Center.
Spring break: April 8th-15th
University of North Texas
The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNTD) is a public university located in Dallas, Texas. Established in 2000, UNTD offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs to students from around the world.
On-campus facilities include an expansive library, housing for over 1,000 students, and multiple dining options. During their spring break, UNTD students have numerous opportunities to explore all that Dallas has to offer such as visiting world-class attractions like The Sixth Floor Museum or attending events at Verizon Theatre.
Spring break: March 13th-18th
Things to Remember
At the beginning of the semester, students attending colleges in West Florida, such as the University of North Florida and Florida State University, get to enjoy a week-long break for spring. The exact length of the break depends on each college’s degree award date, but most universities close for one full week from mid-March through early April.
As the academic year progresses, college campuses across the country start to close for spring break. From mid-March through early April, students at universities such as University of North Florida and Florida State University get a much-needed week off from classes to relax and recharge after midterm grades have been finalized.
Similarly, students in South Florida attending schools like Nova Southeastern University and University of Miami also enjoy a well-deserved break during this time. Further north in Illinois, students at Urbana Champaign can look forward to their own spring break in April when they can take a brief respite from their studies before finals begin.
Final Thoughts
So now you know how long spring break is in college and how it can be taken! Plan your ultimate getaway, relax and enjoy the sun, or even volunteer during this special time of year – either way, make sure you take advantage of the spring break vacation to refresh yourself before the end of the semester.
While spring break is an important time to take a break, you should also seek out winter recess for a time of relaxation so as to not feel burnt out. Remember that every college has slightly different dates for spring break, so check your university calendar to find out the exact dates.
No matter when your college closes for Spring break, we hope you have a great time!
That’s the scoop on how long spring break is in college!
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