Let’s be real; spring semester can be the absolute worst. Unless you’re one of the blessed few going to school in Florida or some other magically warm place, spring semester means shorter days, longer nights, colder temperatures, and a seemingly endless slog of papers and midterms.
Luckily, President’s Day Weekend is coming up and can be just the break you need to make it to summer. Traveling as a student means a tighter budget, so here are 3 ideas for a weekend getaway to get you through without breaking the bank.
Chicago, IL
Chicago is one of the best cities in the country, with the perfect balance of city excitement and Midwestern kindness. Head to the Windy City for amazing food, cultural sites, and a riotous comedy scene.
Friday: Kick off your long weekend with some hysterical laughter by attending a stand-up show at the legendary Second City (this is where Stephen Colbert and Julia Louis-Dreyfus got their starts)! Tickets start as low as $13; we recommend “Pillow Fight” on February 14th at 10:30 p.m. for some friendly improv competition.
Saturday: Spend the day wandering in Millennium Park where you can take a selfie in the chromatic reflection of The Bean. Head down the steps to take advantage of the free ice skating rink set up every winter. No cash needed!
Sunday: Today is the day you’ll enjoy perhaps the most iconic of Chicago foods: deep dish pizza. Find the nearest Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s (users choice) and try it out. Be warned - you will most likely be stuffed after only one or two pieces!
Monday: Before departing the city, grab a drink at Offshore Rooftop and Bar at Navy Pier and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the gorgeous skyline of Chicago.
Portland, OR
If you’re a nature lover with a passion for food, Portland is the city for you.
Friday: Check into your Airbnb for some much needed R & R. Look for an apartment in northwest Portland’s historic district, where you can rent for as cheap as $49 a night!
Saturday: Let Portland welcome you into one of its favorite hobbies: happy hour. Head to Life of Pie Pizza where you can get a pizza and a beer for $10. Pretty much a college student’s dream, right?
Sunday: Spend the day in Forest Park, taking in the lush green scenery and enjoying the quiet of nature. Homework will seem like an alien concept in this haven. If the rain ruins your plans for a hike, check out this amazing bookstore: it’s the largest in the world, and they provide you with a map upon arrival!
Monday: Let your last day in Portland be all about the food. Camp out in the downtown area and grab lunch from one of Portland's many food trucks. Finish off with dessert from Salt and Straw Ice Cream. Eat your heart out without worrying about your wallet.
Boston, MA
Boston is brimming with college students, guaranteeing a good time while also being home to incredible cultural sites.
Friday: Kick off your weekend in Boston like a Bostonian and enjoy some of the best craft beers in the country. Night Shift Brewing offers free tours of their brewery every Friday night, with plenty of snacks on-hand as well.
Saturday: Trek along the Freedom Trail (student discounted tickets are only $10) and see iconic spots like Faneuil Hall, the site of the Boston Massacre, and the Old State House, which is the oldest surviving public building in Boston.
Sunday: Take advantage of the long weekend and go out on a Sunday night! Head to Allston, Boston’s student neighborhood, for a plethora of bars, restaurants, and good company. If you feel like dancing, try the Great Scott.
Monday: Nothing is better after a night out than brunch the next morning. Since it’s a holiday, Monday will be the new Sunday for brunching. Check out Café Luna in Cambridge and head back to school well-fed and in a great mood.
Happy traveling! Need a little cash along the way? Get up to $2000 on the boro app now and pay back over time. Check out our Tik Tok channel for that feeling when you've got the cash for a weekend getaway.