Great news, Wildcats– spring break 2018 is just around the corner! After a long, stressful quarter of classes, extracurriculars, and internship searches, the flowers of spring are starting to bloom. I think I speak for all of us when I say that it’s time for a well deserved break.
Not so great news– you don’t have any travel plans, and you’re going to be spending spring break in Evanston. Major bummer, right? Well, not so fast! Evanston might not be as hopping with parties and beaches as South Florida, but we’ve got some ideas to make sure this E-Town spring break is one to remember.
1) Take advantage of the CTA and venture into some fun new neighborhoods
With one swipe of a Ventra card, you can hop on the train and explore America’s third-largest city. Want to head downtown? Catch a Purple Line express and spend the day taking in the sights and sounds of the Loop. Lincoln Park, right off the Fullerton stop of the Red Line, has a bevy of fun restaurants and shops, and is also home to DePaul University’s Chicago campus. Heck, there’s even a pair of stops in Skokie if you’d prefer to venture westward! We’re in one of the biggest urban areas in the country, and there’s plenty of subway-accessible options that can keep you busy for a week.
2) Use your WildCard to access free cultural opportunities
It may be hard to take advantage of this when you’re busy with your classes, but spring break is the perfect time to unlock some sweet discounts to museums with your WildCard! The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and Art Institute of Chicago both offer discounted admission to Northwestern students, and are a perfect place to spend a quiet spring day. Having fun isn’t hard if you’ve got a WildCard!
3) Stay local and take some time to explore Evanston
Don’t feel like venturing too far from your dorm or apartment? Lucky for you, there’s a ton to do in Evanston beyond Northwestern’s campus! Take a long walk by the lake, explore the shops up by Central Street (there’s more up there than just a hospital and football stadium!), or get some fresh food at Evanston’s indoor farmers market. Get a piece of that E-Town action!
4) Explore the outdoors with Norris Outdoors’ spring break deals
As the weather gets warmer and (let’s hope) a little more predictable, spring break is the perfect time to take advantage of Norris Outdoors’ spring break pricing! Tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks can all be rented for $25 for the entire duration of spring break (pick up between March 19 and 24, return by April 4). Everything else in the Norris Outdoors inventory can be had for $10. Who needs a loud party when you can fall asleep under the stars?
5) Catch up with friends, and catch up on your sleep!
Chances are you’re not the only person in your friend group who’s going to be in Evanston, so now is the perfect time to finally hang out after weeks of busy schedules! Cherish one of the only weeks of the academic year when you can hang out with your friends without having to make a when2meet. (Believe me, I’ve been there.)
Even if you’re the only member of the #squad who’s in town, there’s no need to worry– you don’t have to wake up early for class anymore, and after a tough quarter, sometimes you just need to take some time to rest. So turn that alarm clock off! There’s no time like spring break to catch up on that beauty rest. It’ll get you ready for a fantastic spring quarter, and add years to your life!