Students at the University of Maryland Consider Price When Planning Spring Break Trips

After months of snow and schoolwork, students at the University of Maryland are counting the days until some rest and relaxation. Finally, break is right around the corner and students are getting ready to dive into warmer weather to blow off some steam.

Now or never

Some students, like Amber Langway, jumped on the opportunity to get away as soon as they could.

Langway, a junior, chose to go on a trip composed of mostly seniors because of her friend group. Many of her closest friends will be graduating in May so she wants to spend as much time with them as possible.

This March she will be traveling to Cancun, Mexico with over 500 other students from the university. Student Travel Services (STS) offers an all-inclusive, five-night stay for a base price of $1,200. This price includes a round-trip flight, hotel accommodations, food and drink. 

VIP party packages, which include guaranteed entry and skipping the lines at clubs, can be added to any trip for an extra $300. STS Travel offers trips throughout the year to various destinations, including Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, the Bahamas and Panama City, Florida.

While this may seem like a steep price for less than a week of travel, “It’s worth it for the memories that will be made,” says Langway. “I’ll never have the opportunity to travel with such a big group of people again. I’ve always wanted to enjoy a ‘typical college spring break,’ and this is my opportunity for it.”

Spring break on a budget

If an all-inclusive spring break plan isn’t in your budget, there’s still hope for a great week. If you’re lucky enough to have friends who live in warm areas, all you really need is money for is a flight. Reilly Dunn plans to visit her friend who lives in Miami for a quick, inexpensive getaway.

“I just wanted to spend a few days away from home without breaking the bank,” says Dunn. “The best way I could think of it was to visit my friend in Florida.”

With over 1,300 miles of coast, Florida is a desirable, yet nearby location. Students can book discount flights using travel search engine websites, and for Dunn this was the best option.

“I don’t have any crazy plans in mind. I look forward to laying in the sun, getting a tan and getting to see another side of [my friend] by getting to know her family,” says Dunn. She hopes to experience her friend’s Latin culture, and save a few bucks, through her mother’s home-cooked meals.  

At the end of the week, spring break should be just that: a break. Take the time to clear your mind and relax, regardless of your budget.

Students at the University of Maryland Use Mobile Apps to Plan a Night Out and More

The University of Maryland is commonly referred to as a “party school.” The students here, for better or for worse, are known to go out rain or shine. It was a Wednesday and we all had class in the morning, but it did not seem to make a difference. It is syllabus week, after all.

Last night I observed my roommates getting ready for a night out in College Park. They were all sitting on couches discussing current plans. They all seemed engrossed in their phones and did not speak much to each other.

The conversation hopped around, ranging from “Did anyone like your post in the group?” to “Did you see that email?”

Then, almost suddenly, they all got up and started walking to their rooms to get dressed. As an observer, I was confused. How did a room of people barely speak to each other and then get up to start getting ready for the same place, without confirming? It was literally unspoken, which baffled me.

I realized cell phone usage caused this. Everyone was too involved with their cell phones to actually converse. Everyone was on WiGo, an app that facilitates students at universities to see where everyone else is going. 

As an observer, it was strange to see. It wasn’t until I finished the assignment and resumed my normal activities that I realized I was exactly the same. I immediately started opening apps to find out what everyone was doing.

I asked my roommate, Alexandra, how her phone enhances her plan-making for a night out. I then asked her what apps specifically help. She mentioned WiGo, Facebook and messages.

Although she didn’t mention it, I observed her using Snapchat a lot. With all of it’s features, especially newer ones, it can essentially serve the same purpose as multiple other apps. 

Other students, who wish to remain annonymous, use Snapchat in a more risque way. Some use it to send private photos.

listen to ‘mobile jour audio 2’ on audioBoom

Snaphat entices users to send photos they normally wouldn't, or photos they may be embarrassed of, because of its feature to "disappear forever." Users know, or think, after the desired amount of seconds has been chosen, that the photo will be erased from all traces.

Students use other apps in a more sexualized manner, too. Tinder, a new-age dating app, allows users to create a profile. You either swipe right or left, and depending on whether the other person swipes you right or left, you could get matched.

listen to ‘mobile jour audio 1’ on audioBoom

While the user willingly puts his/her name and location out there, most users do not broadcast the fact they use the app. Many Tinder encounters end in a one-night stand or hook up, rather than a relationship.

Thus far, whether it be planning a night out or taking a more sexualized route, students at the University of Maryland use mobile devices in more of a social way than a functional way.