LIU Students on spring break: Stay in, or go out?

BY: HALEY BROWN / STAFF WRITER

LIU Brooklyn flags via tmba.com

Spring break is often associated with big trips, beach parties, and an escape from school stress. However, for students at Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus, this year’s break looks a little different. Rather than all heading off on vacations, students are taking different approaches, with responses varying from big travel plans to staying in and saving money.

After talking to several students, it became clear that there wasn’t a single common consensus. Some students had been saving up for a while to take a major trip, making spring break their chance to finally travel. 

Others were choosing to stay back, using the break as a time to work and save money instead. A large portion said they were heading out, but not for leisure—just to visit family or friends rather than taking an actual vacation. And then, of course, there were plenty of students who just wanted to rest, stay in, and use the time off as a mental break.

Though they were in the minority, some students at LIU Brooklyn said they were taking advantage of the time off to go on a major trip. These were students who had been planning and saving for months, making sure they could afford the experience without completely draining their bank accounts. A few mentioned traveling to warmer destinations, while others were heading to see concerts, visiting other states, or even traveling internationally.

For them, spring break was something to look forward to—a reward after a stressful semester. However, even among those going on bigger trips, budgeting was still a major concern. Many students emphasized that they weren’t spending recklessly and had planned their trips carefully to make the most of their money.

On the other end of the spectrum, a significant number of students were skipping travel entirely, choosing to stay home or in their dorms instead. The main reason? Money.

With inflation hitting hard and everyday expenses already being a struggle for many students, an expensive spring break vacation isn’t a realistic option. Instead, these students see the break as an opportunity to work extra shifts, build their savings, and avoid unnecessary spending. Some mentioned that even though they would love to go on a trip, it just wasn’t worth the financial stress.

But it wasn’t all about finances. Some students also just didn’t feel like traveling. For them, spring break isn’t about going somewhere—it's about taking a breather from school, catching up on sleep, and getting some much-needed downtime before finals season kicks in.

Another big group of students said they were traveling, but not for a vacation. Instead of hitting the beach or going to a party destination, they were heading home to see family and friends.

For many, this was the only chance they’d get to go home before the semester ended. Some were excited to have a home-cooked meal, spend time with siblings, or just be in a familiar environment. Others saw it as a practical choice—why spend money on a trip when you could go home for free (or at least for the cost of a bus or train ticket)?

Visiting family also meant something different for everyone. Some students were taking long trips to another state, while others were just heading to a nearby town for a few days. Either way, the focus wasn’t on sightseeing or adventure—it was about reconnecting with loved ones before jumping back into the stress of school.

Interestingly, the idea of staying local for spring break isn’t just an LIU Brooklyn thing. Social media has been full of people embracing the idea of a “stay-at-home” spring break, turning a low-budget week off into something special. Instead of traveling, students can make their own fun—whether that means exploring new parts of their city, planning casual outings with friends, or just focusing on self-care.

For LIU Brooklyn students, that could mean spending time outdoors, checking out new places they hadn’t had time to visit during the semester, or just having laid-back nights with friends. Even those staying in their dorms aren’t necessarily just sitting around—many plan on finding ways to make the most of their break without leaving the city.

At the end of the day, spring break isn’t looking the same for everyone. While some students are traveling, whether for fun or to visit family, many are staying put—either to save money, work, or just take a mental break.

What is the one concrete takeaway is that LIU Brooklyn students aren’t following one single trend. Some are taking their dream trips, some are focusing on finances, and some are prioritizing family and personal time. And with finals on the horizon, no matter how students choose to spend their break, one thing is clear: this year, spring break isn’t just about where you go—it’s about what you need.