By Mackenzie Prince
Spring break will commence for University of Maryland students, staff and faculty on Friday, March 14. On-campus residents are expected to leave by 7 p.m., and their card access will be deactivated until 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 23.
Nevertheless, student life will continue in College Park throughout the break.
If residents applied by March 10, they had the opportunity to register to remain on campus. This typically attracts international students and out-of-state students who may find it difficult to go home for such a short period of time.
Despite the accessibility this provides, many students find it impractical due to cost, living experience and practicality.
According to the UMD Department of Resident Life, students are not permitted to remain in their current dorms throughout the break.
If approved, residents stay in a converted lounge in La Plata Hall and must move by Friday, March 14, between 5 and 7 p.m.
Students living in the reserved residence halls—La Plata, Pyon Chen and Johnson-Whittle—may request to stay in their dorm during this time.
While many deem this an inconvenience, Mikaeel Nur, a junior computer science major and Bel Air Hall Residential Assistant explained how the choice affects staffing.
“They require us to stay for closing and checking the dorms, but the RAs in the specific hall [where students are staying] have to stay during the break,” Nur said.
Nur stated that if students have any concerns throughout their stay, they should first contact their assigned RA and then reach out to their Residential Director.
Mokshil Tandel, a freshman computer science major, is an international student from India and stayed on campus during Thanksgiving break.
“If you’re in North Campus, like me, you must stay in a lounge with five different guys,” Tandel said. “They do not offer any food since the dining hall is closed.”
Tandel continued, explaining how he frequently ordered food through apps or restaurants along Baltimore Avenue. However, he was able to grow his experience and build a community with other students.
“I thought it was going to be horrible, but I made friends and went to Washington D.C. with them,” said Tandel, who stayed on campus during spring break.
Many students have decided to reject this offer entirely due to the cost. According to UMD ResLife, students will be charged $320 if they choose to stay.
Nola Joyce, a sophomore psychology major, is an out-of-state resident and has considered staying on campus for week-long university breaks.
“I rarely go home unless it’s for Thanksgiving, winter break or spring break,” Joyce said. “Especially this spring break. I already have so much work to do that I might as well stay at school.”
However, Joyce is deterred from staying due to cost.
“It’s crazy I can’t stay without paying, after all of the out-of-state tuition for room and board,” Joyce said. “If more affordable, I think a ton of students could benefit from staying on campus.”
While staying on campus during spring break offers convenience for some students, the cost and living arrangements remain a challenge.
Featured Image: A sunset at McKeldin Mall. Photo by Mackenzie Prince.