Only 3 more days

With Spring Break near, students and faculty make arrangements for their week away from campus. Although Residence Life requires that students check out of their dorms for the week, many are eager to vacate their rooms and hit the beach.

A hot spot for college students this spring break is Pensacola, Fla. With 52 miles of sugar-white beaches and many historical sties, the city offers much entertainment for students, said Laura A. Lee, Director of Communications Pensacola Bay Area. Students can even watch the Blue Angels practice and perform for free, no coupon needed. To see a list of things to do at shoestring prices, visit www.visitpensacola.com, under the visitor's link.

Jessafaye Arca, a double major in chemistry and bio chemistry, has plans to spend her Spring Break in Pensacola.   "My friends and I are carpooling to Pensacola. we reserved two rooms for $125 each for four people," Arca said.

"If the weather's nice my friends and I plan on going to the aquarium, the zoo and of course the beach.  If the weather is not in our favor, then we plan on just staying in the hotel room playing Wii and Guitar Hero," Acra said.

Students who are not going home or out of town for Spring Break can stay at the Western Motel on Hardy Street for a discount price at $55 for a double occupancy room. To receive the student discount, students must present their USM ID.

Flyers have been posted at the dormitories on campus reminding the students about checking out of the dorms for Spring Break. All residence halls close, with check-out time on Friday, March 12, at 5 p.m., until check-in at 8 a.m. on Sunday, March 21.

Students must make living arrangements for the break at their own expense, according to Res Life.  They will not be allowed in the dorms at anytime during the break.

Melanie Langston, a nursing major, plans to go back home to Florida with no plans but to be lackadaisical the entire week.  "I have no plans yet but to hang out at the beach at home," Langston said.

Some students have yet to make plans for Spring Break, but officials at Pro-Travel and Magnolia Travel Agency say it isn't too late. As long all calls are made during Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., students can still make hotel reservations and plan a fun week away.