Try something new that you've never done before: tips for university students on vacation
If you're staying on campus during spring break and want to make the most of it, here are some helpful tips on how to maximize your free time. These tips are tailored for students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Firstly, plan your stay because there are so many things to do and places to visit. There are also numerous friends to see and exciting parties to attend, as noted by The Badger Herald.
Plan your day. Stay at home, order from your favorite restaurant, cook with fresh ingredients, relax on your favorite couch, watch your favorite TV shows, listen to music, and spend a few days simply doing nothing. Sometimes, doing nothing is the best thing to do.
Additionally, try something new, such as jumping into a lake, fishing, learning to eat with chopsticks, or picking up a new book. Learn a new recipe from a different culture, read a book from a genre you've never explored before, try an activity you've never attempted, or develop a new hobby.
It's also worthwhile to go for a walk or bike ride. The City of Madison's website offers more than 30 walking trails, and Madison boasts over 200 miles of bicycle and pedestrian paths. Plan your bike route using the bike map and relish the arrival of spring and the warm, radiant sun.
Simultaneously, Madison offers numerous captivating places to explore. Camping, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and campfires are among the activities available. There are two freshly thawed lakes, wild mature forests, winding splashy paths, and many steep bluffs.
Take Route 80 to Eagles High Woods on the northwest side of campus to perch on a bluff and admire the sunset. The forests and prairies of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum and Devil's Lake State Park also provide perfect options for a warm, sunny outdoor escape.
Visiting some of Madison's many clubs and restaurants is also recommended to enjoy live performances of emo, jazz, rock, and various other genres by local bands.
Furthermore, there are numerous activities to enjoy in the city beyond the campus itself. Visit the Henry Vilas Zoo, home to over 600 animals, from African lions and Amur tigers to alpacas and turtles. Go shopping at Hilldale and West Towne Mall to update your wardrobe with the latest fashion trends for the scorching heat of summer and the refreshing breeze of spring, or simply for a change of scenery.
You can also spend a fun day exploring exotic plants at the Madison Albrecht Botanical Garden, or enjoy live performances, music, or stand-up comedy at the Overture Center, Orpheum, or Comedy Club.
If you're interested in exploring further, set aside a day to visit Chicago, Milwaukee, Devil's Lake, or other nearby locations. Badger Buses will take you to Milwaukee's Third Ward, brimming with restaurants and entertainment. From the same bus stop, you can catch a train directly to Chicago's Union Station.
However, if you tire of enjoying the fresh sunshine or warm weather, you can always use the time to do your homework and catch up on your classes. Think about how rewarding it will be to return to school with a wealth of knowledge.
Earlier, TravelWise wrote about the best European destinations for the budget traveler.