While it would be nice to think we could spend spring break on a tropical island, that’s usually not the case for most of us poor college students. Spring break at home may appear less exciting than a week of partying in Punta Cana, but some time to catch up on relaxation isn’t the worst thing to deal with. Release brings you a few things that can make the week at home as painless as possible.

If you have to, fake it

Explore sunless tanning lotions; if you mess up, you have a week to take care of it. Even though one might not be able to go away for the break, it is possible to look like you’ve been on vacation. With new and better tanning lotions coming out year-round, it is possible that when you get back to school, you’ll be asked the question, “So where did you go for spring break that you’re so tan?”

Catch up on your drama — television drama that is

With so much time on your hands, and so many great television shows out there, it’s time to get to Blockbuster. Doing work at school can leave absolutely no time to check out that show that everyone seems to be talking about — so here’s your chance.

Pamela Wexler, a sophomore accounting major, looks forward to finally getting a chance to watch “Lost” after all the hype she’s heard about it.

“With all the work I’ve had this semester, it’ll be nice to finally get a chance to watch the show I’ve been meaning to all year,” said Wexler.

Whether it’s “Weeds,” “Dexter” or “Lost,” grab a series that seems to be staring you in the face, dim the lights and crawl onto the couch to relax to your new favorite show.

Rekindle some friendships

Although most of your friends may be away on some spring break extravaganza, there is sure to be somebody home that you haven’t seen in a while. A week at home is the best time to reacquaint yourself with someone whom you’ve lost touch with due to being away, school work, etc. While going from the initial conversation to hanging out may be a little awkward, it’s surprising how much spending a week with somebody can do for a long-term friendship.

Get the perfect body no one will have when they get back

So while all your friends have been spending the weeks leading up to spring break dieting and exercising, what do you think spring break will do to them? Most people crash diet the week before spring break, only to get there and eat massive amounts of food while guzzling down drinks on the beach. However, here’s your chance.

With all the extra time on your hands, it’s possible to finally make it to the gym without class schedules and extracurricular activities weighing you down. So, when all your friends come back from break bringing a few extra pounds with them, you’ll be the one ready to go out bearing that toned body you’ve worked a little extra for.

Go shopping

You weren’t able to dish out the cash to go on spring break, but as a result, you most likely have more money saved up than you would have. Melanie Alese, a sophomore psychology major, looks forward to finally having cash to shop with.

“By not spending $1,500 on a trip away, I have extra money to finally spend on myself,” said Alese.

Although being home may seem like a limitation, those summer clothes your friends bought for spring break won’t compare to the practical clothes you’ve bought on your shopping spree to bring back to school.

While a week away seems like the most enjoyable option for spring vacation, a week home may very well do the trick.