With finals weighing heavy on students minds, there is a light at the end of the tunnel: spring break.

Spring break gives students a week to unwind and relax after Winter Quarter. Students use this time to travel, help others, work or just relax at home.

One popular option for Ohio State students is to travel down to Panama City, Fla.

“There’s lots of partying to do down here,” said Larry Rowe, senior account executive for Student City, a travel company that caters to students.

Students in Panama City enjoy both the beaches of Florida and the exciting night life.

“The bars in Panama are amazing. There are so many people and drinks are cheap,” said Tom DiBella, a third-year in finance.

Students can plan their own trip to destinations like Panama City or go through travel companies. Student City is a travel company that caters exclusively to students. Student City books travelers into the best hotels.

Student City helps travelers find the best parties and bars but also tries to keep them safe and out of trouble.

Rowe said there is a lot of partying to be done, “but do get a glass of water in you every now and then. It will truly help you last the week.”
OSU students also have the option to go on an alternative spring break.

According to the alternative spring break Web site, this option is meant to “inspire student leaders to have life-long dedication to service to others and social justice activism in their current and future communities.”

Students travel to a place outside of Columbus to have a substance-free week dedicated to helping other communities. Destinations range from Belize to an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee.

Price varies per trip, but students looking for an interesting service experience find alternative spring breaks rewarding.

Other students go all out and spare no expense traveling during spring break.

“This year my friends and I decided to take a Caribbean cruise,” said Lacey Best, a fourth-year in nursing. “It is my last year in school and I wanted to do something more unique this year. Everyone else goes to Panama, South Padre or Cancun, but no one ever takes a cruise.”

While traveling is a favorite option of OSU students, other just choose to stay at home and relax.

“I am just going home this year,” said Pat Tracey, a third-year in accounting. “I have some job interviews lined up but I am mostly just going to hangout and see my friends from home. Spring break is expensive and I really need to save for Spring Quarter and the summer.”

Whether students are traveling, performing service or just staying at home, everyone finds a way to enjoy their spring break.

“It is definitely nice to have a break. Winter Quarter is always the worst quarter and spring break is a good way to clear the slate and get ready for Spring Quarter,” Dibella said.