Spring break is here, and as a college athlete, you might be wondering how to make the most of your time off. You want to have fun, but you also have training and school to consider. When spring break came around when I was an undergrad, I remember getting a slight feeling of FoMO (fear of missing out) especially going to school up north in Connecticut. Not having the budget to travel to a warm, tropical destination left me with a good amount of time on my hands while students were on spring break. Luckily, there were many things I could do that didn’t cost a lot, and kept me in shape. No matter if you’re staying on campus or going back home during break, consider the following cost-effective activities that are perfect for athletes.
23 Cost-Effective Spring Break Activities for College Athletes
1. Rest. This might seem like a no-brainier, but if your winter season just came to a close, use the time to rest, heal, and help your body build back up after a long season. I could never sit still, so my forms of active rest might’ve included shopping with my mom, cooking at home, catching up on a show or going for walks. I would also get plenty of sleep. Taking a break from lifting, sprinting and other high impact exercises helped me recharge and return to campus ready for preseason.
2. Take Advantage of Free Campus Facilities. Many colleges have state-of-the-art facilities that are free for students. Use your spring break to explore your campus gym, pool, or climbing wall. If I decided to stay close to campus as an undergrad, I would have definitely used the pool to get a light swim in.
3. Explore the Outdoors. Hiking, biking, or just exploring nature can be both cost-effective and invigorating. Plan a day trip to a nearby park or nature reserve with your friends. Don’t forget to pack a few bites, like sandwiches and snacks!
4. Hold a Fitness Challenge. Challenge your friends or teammates to a fitness competition. It could be anything from a plank-off to a push-up challenge. This is a good way to keep you in shape if you’re on break.
5. Volunteer. Use your spring break to give back to your community. Volunteer at a local charity or organization that aligns with your interests.
6. Try a New Sport. Have you ever considered trying a new sport like rock climbing, paddle-boarding, or yoga? Now’s your chance. Many places offer free or discounted trials for newbies. Just be careful- I’ve heard many stories of athletes playing their current sport or trying a new sport during break and getting hurt. The result? Loss of playing time and in some cases, a loss of scholarship.
7. Cook and Share Meals with Teammates. After a long, trying season, it’s great to get together over a nice meal. If you have teammates who are close, bring everyone together and spend time cooking meals together. It’s a great way to bond, and it’s cheaper than eating out every day.
8. Host a Game Night. Invite friends over for a night of board games or card games. It’s a low-cost way to have fun and socialize.
9. Attend Campus Events. Keep an eye out for free or discounted events happening on campus. Just because your sport is on break doesn’t mean campus life stops. From movie nights to guest lectures, there’s always something going on.
11. Start a Book Club. Pick a book and gather a group of friends to read and discuss it. It’s a fun and intellectual way to spend your break. Book clubs are also very popular in companies and organizations, so starting a book club in school might lead to you starting or contributing to a book club when you start working.
12. Go Swimming. Like I mentioned earlier, swimming is a great workout if you have access to a pool. This workout is a great workout that doesn’t apply too much impact to your joints. If your college has a pool, take advantage of it. Swimming is a full-body workout and can be a refreshing break from your usual routine.
13. Camp Out. I’m not a fan of camping, however, growing up in New York state meant tons of opportunities to travel upstate and camp. If you have access to camping gear, why not spend a night or two under the stars? It’s a great way to disconnect and recharge.
14. Have a Picnic. Pack some snacks and head to a local park for a picnic with friends. It’s a simple and enjoyable way to spend a day.
15. DIY Projects. Get creative and tackle some DIY projects. Whether it’s making a vision board or crafting something for your dorm room, it’s a productive way to spend your time.
16. Plan a Budget-Friendly Trip. If you’re level of FoMO is through the roof and you’re itching to travel, consider a budget-friendly destination. Look for deals on accommodations and transportation to make the most of your budget. In school, this might have meant a 2-3 drive for me to destinations like Boston, Upstate New York, or the Jersey Shore.
17. Try a New Hobby. Always wanted to learn to knit, paint, or play an instrument? Use your spring break to start a new hobby.
18. Have a Movie Marathon. Grab some popcorn and have a movie marathon with your family or friends. Choose a theme or genre and have fun binge-watching. I love mixing up my movie marathons up with documentaries.
19. Explore Local Attractions. Take advantage of student discounts and explore nearby museums, galleries, or historical sites.
20. Host a BBQ. Why wait until the summer? If you have access to a grill, host a BBQ for your friends. It’s a fun and social way to enjoy the warmer weather.
21. Catch-up academically. While you might not have any school-work assigned during break, this is the perfect time to catch up in a subject or two. Go over notes, study and help bring yourself up to speed academically so you won’t struggle towards the end of the semester
22. Reassess your major. Use this time to consider if you still want to pursue your major. Sometimes, taking entry level classes as a freshman might persuade you to change your area of study. If you’re an underclassman, make the switch if you feel passionate about other topic
23. Learn about money. Obviously, as a financial coach I’m going to push for this. Use your time off to learn about money topics that worry you or topics that you don’t know much about. By taking 20-30 minutes a day and reading about topics like ‘investment terms’, ‘retirement plans’ or ‘healthcare’, you’ll give yourself a big head-start when school is over.
With these cost-effective activities, you can make the most of your spring break without breaking the bank. Whether you’re staying on campus or traveling, there are plenty of options to keep you active, engaged, and enjoying your time off.