As you watch your peers head for vacation, it can be hard to not feel bummed about staying on campus or going home. It can be hard to find ways to stay busy and have fun when the weather is still cold and unpredictable. If you shift your mindset to take advantage of your free time, you can still create memories and relaxation for yourself from the comfort of your home.
Solo Activities
I recommend taking time to spend time with yourself during your staycation. As a college student, it can be hard to find time for self-care and self-exploration. Spring break is a great opportunity to slow down and take care of yourself.
- Self Care Spa Day: Treat yourself to a facial, warm shower, facial massage, skincare and all your favorite self-care activities.
- Comfort Film Marathon: Pick your favorite movie or show series, grab your favorite snacks, turn off all the lights, and binge your favorite film.
- Photography Nature Walk: Head to the lakefront or your local nature trail for a long nature walk while taking pictures as you go.
- Creativity night: Get creative and find a craft or DIY project to dive into, such as jewelry making, flower pot painting, scrapbooking, or picture frame decorating.
- Wellness day: Spend the day focusing on health and wellness by trying healthy recipes, attending a workout class, and creating healthy habits.
- Date with a Book: Create a reading nook of blankets and pillows, make some tea or coffee, and start a new book, maybe even finishing it that day.
- Solo Dinner Date at Home: Find a new dinner recipe to cook, set the mood with a candle and some music, and have fun preparing your new meal.
Group Activities
If you have friends in town or on campus, get everyone together and spend time with each other. This is a great opportunity to bond with friends you may not see much due to busy schedules.
- Cooking Competition: Have friends prepare their best meals and rate each other anonymously to conclude a winner.
- Themed movie night: Dress up like the characters, bring snacks on theme, and watch the movie together.
- Game Night: Have everyone bring their favorite group games and play each one throughout the night.
- Basketball Tournament: Grab a group of friends, randomly split the group into different teams, and play through some tournaments.
- Vision Board Workshop: Create vision boards with your friends and converse about your goals/dreams.
Explore Milwaukee
If you are staying on campus, Milwaukee offers many ways to have fun around town.
Group Activities in Milwaukee:
- Escape Room
- Axe Throwing
- Art classes/workshops
- Indoor Rock Climbing
- Top Golf
Interesting places in Milwaukee that make you feel like you’re somewhere else:
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (aka The Domes)
- Discovery World
- Milwaukee County Zoo
- Pettit National Ice Center
- 3rd Street Market Hall
- Game Show Battle Rooms
Events Suggestions:
- A Chinese dance production with music and artistic visuals.
- Mar 21-22, 2026 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
Milwaukee Wave vs. Baltimore Blast
- Professional indoor soccer game.
- March 22, 2026 at 3:05 pm at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
Whether you’re heading back home for the weekend or sticking around Milwaukee, there are many ways to fill your days. It can be tough to not get away for spring break, but try to take advantage of this downtime to try new things, get to know your city, spend quality time with loved ones, and refresh your mind. Summer is just around the corner, hang tight, and enjoy the simple things.
Gwen Ulfig
UW-Milwaukee Student