Leaving for Spring Recess has different meanings depending on who you ask. For some Fordham University students, it’s passport stamps and beach days. For others, it’s home-cooked meals and finally sleeping past 9 a.m. without guilt. Honestly, both are valid. 

With just a few weeks to go, I talked to students at both Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses about where they’re headed and what makes a break actually feel worth it. Spoiler: it’s not always about going the farthest. 

For Krithi Pala, GSB ’29, spring break is all about going home and slowing down. 

What’s she most excited about? Seeing her parents and spending time with her grandma, who is visiting for the first time in a while. That alone makes the trip that much more worth it. 

When I asked whether a break at home feels restful or busy, she didn’t hesitate: restful. After the buzz of midterms and nonstop campus life, home feels calm. Though she did admit that it can get a little boring once you’re used to the constant chaos of college. There are only so many late-night snack runs you can do in your childhood kitchen.

Her ideal staycation schedule sounds like a masterclass in doing absolutely nothing: sleep until 3 p.m., go for a run, see friends, binge-watch shows until the early morning and repeat. No alarms. No group projects. Just vibes. 

For Pala, resetting doesn’t require a boarding pass. Time alone helps her recharge, and being home gives her space to think about career plans and life without constant noise. If money were no object, though? She’s booking a Japan or Europe tour immediately. The dream includes shopping and staying in fancy hotels. 

While some students are powering down, Walker Chabot, FCLC ’29, is turning things back up in his hometown Houston, Texas. 

The trip is fully booked and planned, with a simple reason: home and the Houston Rodeo. If you’ve never seen thousands of people in cowboy hats in one place, apparently this is your sign to take a trip down South. 

For Chabot, Spring Recess is worth it when he gets to see friends, relax and recharge. In his words, it’s about “relaxing while making memories,” which feels like the perfect balance. Yes, you need some rest after the busy beginning of the semester, but you also want to bring back some stories. 

His best spring break thus far? Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea in California. He described driving on the coast in a rented convertible while surrounded by gorgeous scenery as one of the best experiences he’s had. And honestly, that sets a high bar. If money wasn’t a factor, he’d take on all of Europe. No hesitation. 

For Sohana Verma, FCRH ’28, the destination is Puerto Rico alongside her roommate and friends. 

The appeal? Searching for Caribbean vibes without needing a passport. It’s easier and more affordable than going abroad, but still feels like an international getaway. 

Verma describes herself as a beach person with a little city-exploring mixed in. Her must-do list includes full beach days and walking around Old San Juan. It’s more low-key and tropical than the typical Miami scene. Less chaos, more island energy. Her pitch basically sells itself: sun, beach and island vibes without leaving the States. 

Then there’s me who is traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The trip was semi last-minute, planned by my cousins earlier this month. She’s been to Mexico before, but this specific destination is new, which makes it all the more exciting. There’s something about a cousin trip that just feels chaotic in the best way. You just know the group chat was active.

After talking to everyone, one thing is clear. There’s no single “right way” to do spring break. For some students, it’s about beaches and warm weather. For others, it’s about family dinners and sleeping in until your body forgets what an 8:30 a.m. class feels like. Some are chasing rodeos. Some are chasing quiet. But across the board, the theme is the same: recharge and reconnect. Whether that means reconnecting with family, friends, cousins or just yourself, it is a chance to relax your mind. 

So if you’re staying home, don’t feel like you’re missing out. And if you’re boarding a plane, take pictures and make memories. Spring Recess isn’t about how far you go. It’s about coming back ready to survive the rest of the semester.