Are you looking for a more unique college spring break experience this year? As great as a fun-filled trip to Cancun can be, it's not always for everyone. There are plenty of students who aren't interested in the typical college spring break scene. Instead, they spend their week doing something more meaningful, like volunteering or helping others. It's not as uncommon as you might think. It's called an alternative spring break, and it's a great way to shake up the usual routine.
What Is an Alternative Spring Break?
The term 'alternative spring break' refers to when college students use their spring break to either volunteer with a charitable organization or give back somehow rather than spend the time vacationing. Many students choose an alternative spring break because they look forward to the opportunity to help make a difference in the world and create a more positive impact.
An alternative spring break is also an excellent chance to make lifelong connections and network with others, mainly if your "getaway" is closely related to your field of study or a post-college goal of yours. The main thing to remember about alternative spring breaks is that they're different for everyone; there are no rules, just so long as you use the opportunity to do something positive for yourself or others.
5 Alternative Spring Break Ideas
If the thought of spending a week doing something rewarding for yourself or others intrigues you, but you're not sure where to begin, you've come to the right place. To help you plan your spring break, Collegeboxes, the college moving, and student storage experts have put together this list of five alternative spring break ideas to give an idea of what's out there and might be right for you.
1. Community Enrichment
There is no shortage of ways you can give back to your local community during your week off. To make things simple, United Way, the longstanding charitable organization, has a program just for students who want to volunteer during their spring break. United Way Alternative Spring Break is a weeklong program that in the past has included projects like reading books to young children, beach cleanups, working with the homeless, and one-on-one college prep with high school students. There are other United Way volunteer opportunities apart from United Way Alternative Spring Break if you're looking for something closer to your campus (or wherever you are) or simply a better fit.
2. Disaster Relief
U-Haul® has been providing disaster relief to affected communities for many years. The moving and storage industry leader often steps up by offering free self-storage or U-Box containers at nearby U-Haul centers to people affected by hurricanes, tornados, floods, and other natural disasters. As a division of U-Haul®, Collegeboxes understands the need for disaster relief around the world as well as anyone. Volunteering with an organization dedicated to disaster relief like the American Red Cross is a great way to lend a helping hand and truly make a difference during your college spring break.
3. Wildlife Conservation
If you're passionate about nature, be sure to look into wildlife conservation organizations and related volunteer efforts. For example, students enrolled near the coasts can find beach cleanup events nearby using sites volunteercleanup.org. If you're not near the ocean, hiking trail cleanups are an excellent alternative for students looking to make a positive impact on nature. Check out the American Hiking Society for volunteer vacations near you. Another option: volunteering at your local zoo or wildlife refuge; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has various opportunities listed on their website.
5. Home Building
Habitat for Humanity® has been helping those in need by building low-income housing for decades. Now high school and college students can participate in Habitat's volunteer work through the Collegiate Challenge program, a year-round opportunity for young people to spend one week working with a local Habitat for Humanity group and affected families. This opportunity is excellent for students who cannot participate during their scheduled spring break but wish to give back another time. It's also an ideal match for students who want to give some extra time during summer or winter breaks.
Start Planning Your College Moving & Student Storage Needs
No matter the time of year, it's never too soon to start planning your spring break getaway, whether it's an alternative spring break or otherwise. The same goes for your college moving needs. Collegeboxes offers several services that countless college students count on each year, including Ship to School and Summer Storage and Shipping. After spring break ends is the perfect time to get your college moving, and summer storage needs to be situated. Visit collegeboxes.com today to sign up.