Top 10 Spring Break Fact vs Fiction

FICTION

Spring break goes by many different names, including reading week and study week but we all know we’re not using our time off to crack open the books. And in fact, the term “week” is something of a misnomer here. You get the week off from school, but by that they mean the school week, i.e. Monday through Friday. On top of that, you also have two weekends to work with, making your entire time away amount to nine whole days! Keep that in mind when you’re planning your vacations because you wouldn’t want to waste those extra days. So what if you’re exhausted from driving back to campus on the Sunday before classes start up again?

FICTION

In 1964, Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello starred in the William Asher movie “Muscle Beach Party,” which was part of a trend in the era of creating fun movies geared towards young people with a beach setting. The setting of this one is Malibu Beach, where beachgoers and bodybuilders alike supposedly roam. The real-life Malibu has a spring break vibe no matter what time of year it is, but you probably shouldn’t expect to have a run-in with a gang of oiled up bodybuilders if you actually take a trip there. It seems like this was a concept that was conceived of in the ‘60s, but it somehow still remains in the cultural consciousness today.

FACT

Ok, we can’t promise that you’re going to spot a B (or C) list celebrity while you’re on spring break, but we can say that it definitely happens! Plenty of reality show stars, DJs, entertainers and minor athletes have been spotted partying with the regular folk at spring break celebrations around the world, whether they’re there working or just having a good time like you are. If it’s your goal to have a celeb sighting, then keep your wits about you and your eyes peeled - we’d be surprised if you didn’t see at least one recognizable face.

FICTION

There have been many movies made that follow a premise similar to this: carefree college students are out to have some fun in the sun, but there’s something sinister in the water that is going to turn this trip into a bloodbath instead. Whether it’s prehistoric killer fish, a shark with an agenda or bloodthirsty piranhas, we can almost guarantee that you don’t have to worry about them. Of course, sharks are real and do sometimes attack humans, but that hardly ever happens! Just do your research, practice safe swimming and watch out for each other! While we’re at it, you probably don’t have to worry about a serial killer targeting coeds either.

FICTION

There has been a long cinematic tradition of men managing to woo women by singing to them, regardless of their level of vocal skill level. Elvis Presley is one of the most famed voices of all time and he pulled this off in the 1965 film “Girl Happy,” which takes during spring break in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He sings the song “Puppet on a String” to her and after that, she’s all his. Let’s just say that in the modern day, this move won’t get you the girl, but it might possibly make you a viral hit if someone films the embarrassing attempt.

FACT

It seems like every work of fiction that centers on spring break features one member of the party doing something truly epic that they will be remembered for for the rest of time. Sometimes it’s the most unlikely guy in the crew shocking everyone by winning a margarita chugging contest, or maybe it’s the time your buddy went missing for an entire 24 hours and you had to help him piece together his night, “Hangover” style. But it’s pretty much a guarantee that you’ll have at least one super memorable story that you definitely won’t fill your parents in on.

FACT

Ok, there’s a caveat to this one: if you’re careful you can avoid it, but in all likelihood, you’ll slip up at some point and get a sunburn. We all know how serious skin cancer can be, and we know that getting burnt is a contributing factor to this potentially deadly disease, so let’s all do our best to prevent it, alright? We know, we know, you want to spend a carefree day at the beach and get your tan on, but just promise you’ll pack your sunscreen and reapply regularly. Even if you’re not worried about the long term effects, at least try to avoid looking like a lobster for the rest of your trip!

FICTION

In the age of social media, nothing you ever do will stay in the past. So while you might be operating under the idea that “what happens on spring break stays on spring break”, you might want to think again. You never know when someone might be filming and then instantly posting videos to their Insta stories that could be seen by your sister or your great aunt. Even if the internet isn’t involved, do you think your friends will ever let you live down you’re acting like a total fool? Don’t dance like nobody’s watching, because people definitely are.

FICTION

Almost every movie and TV show that takes place over spring break shows college students heading south for drinking, partying and tanning. But they seem to be forgetting one thing. College is expensive. You think everyone can afford to jet off for a week when they’re busy saving up to pay next semester’s tuition? Not to mention: not everyone wants to have that kind of vacation. Doesn’t it sound just as relaxing to sit at home for an entire week ordering Seamless, binge watch Netflix and see no one?

FICTION

Some students may depart on their spring break trips hoping for no strings attached physical relations with people they’ll never have to see again. But things have changed - and you definitely can’t assume you’re just going to get laid anymore. In fact, the more sure you are that you’re going to get busy, the more pressure you’re putting on it and the more disappointed you’ll be if it doesn’t work out. While hooking up can be an aspiration, don’t let it stop you from having fun with your friends, and of course, treating people with respect.