We are now in the home stretch to Spring Break 2009, and Fairfield students are counting down the days until one of the most anticipated weeks of the year.

Flights are being booked, hotel rooms are being finalized, and the RecPlex is packed. Most students are looking to trade in their winter jackets for bathing suits and escape the cold weather for a week. But these plans can prove to be pricey and not everyone will be heading to the beach for spring break. This year, if money is tight and you are stumped as to how you will be spending spring break, here are some tips to help you make the most of your vacation.

Make money: Take the opportunity of this school-free week to make some extra money. Babysit or pick up shifts at your summer job. This way, when spring break rolls around next year, you’ll have a little extra cash to invest in the vacation of your dreams.

Visit friends: There are plenty of schools that have a different week for spring break this year, so use this time to visit your friends who go to different colleges. You will have two weekends off, giving you the perfect opportunity to go on a road trip and catch up with old friends.

Family time: Spend time with your family. We are two months into the semester and you know that they miss you. With all the free time you are going to have, you could go to your little brother’s game or visit your older sibling’s new apartment. Maybe you could meet your parents for lunch during their lunch break. Use this week to spend some quality time with your loved ones.’

Shop: Just because you are not heading to the beach doesn’t mean you can’t act like you are. The warm weather is closer than you think and there is no reason that you can’t go on a shopping trip for a new bathing suit. Treat yourself to a pedicure even though your feet won’t see flip flops for a couple more months. Spring and summer clothes are on the shelves of all of your favorite stores, so get a head start!

Prepare: Start to look for a summer job. Since it is still February, you’ll have an advantage over everybody who is on vacation. Get your applications or interviews done throughout the week. Here are some Web sites with tips on how to find that perfect summer job:

http://www.snagajob.com/job-resources/student-summer-jobs.aspx
http://www.nextstudent.com/nextpath/nextpath-online/blogs/students/’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ archive/2008/06/02/6-tips-for-snagging-a-summer-job.aspx
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/summer-jobs-for-college-students.html

Relax: Regardless of where you spend it, spring break is a time to do your own thing and take a well deserved break from your school work. There is nothing wrong with sleeping in late, reading a book that is not required for a class, or catching up on the movies that you’ve been meaning to see. Spend your week doing things that you want to do, and you will end up coming back to school just as or even more relaxed as everyone who went away.

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