Spring break survey:students stay close to home

The stereotypical spring break - a week of wild partying in Cancun - is not the reality of most Fresno State students, according to a recent survey.   The majority of Fresno State students will use the week to relax, socialize, and travel in California . Most plan to consume alcohol once, twice, or not at all.  

Fresno State 's social norms project surveyed 192 students in the free speech area about their spring break plans on March 12 and 15.   The survey included men and women of all class levels.

Sixty percent of Fresno State students say they plan to travel during the break, most within California . Only 7 percent will travel outside the U.S.

Many students will take time off from work. Although seventy four percent of Fresno State students ordinarily work, only 32 percent plan to work during spring break.  

For most students, spring break will be a time to relax to enjoy simple pleasures.   About one third - 32 percent - plan to stay at home.   Forty four percent plan to spend the time with family or friends.   Thirty percent say they will catch up on school work.   Five percent will do volunteer work.

Asked about how often they expect to drink alcohol during the week, 32 percent said they won't drink any, and 42 percent said they'll drink once or twice.   Seven percent say they'll drink every day - up from the 0.5 percent who typically drink this often.  

Social Norms Project Assistant Roberto Vaca summed up: "This informal survey supports other findings of our project - namely that Fresno State students care about friends and family, and are moderate and safe when they party."