The stereotypical college spring break looks like drinks on the beach in Miami, Cancun, or Punta Cana—not cooped up in a dorm room in 30-degree weather.
For some, their spring break fits this mold. For others, there is no escape from the confines of New Jersey.
Whether splurging outside or chilling inside, a spring break in the Garden State doesn’t have to be bad. Here are some activities that can pass your time before locking back into the academic year.
Seton Hall Sports
Keep the Pirate spirit alive and support the Seton Hall men’s basketball team for one last time before they head into the Big East Tournament.
On March 6, they face off against the #15-ranked St. John’s University at Prudential Center. A win not only boosts the team going into the Big East Tournament, but also helps keep their NCAA Tournament dreams alive. Purchase tickets here.
Professional Sports
For some more sports action, hockey fans can keep it local, heading to the Pru one more time for a New Jersey Devils game, with a homestretch from March 3, through March 7. The Devils host the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Rangers consecutively. Purchase tickets here.
Going back to basketball, there is a slate of options for fans to pick from after a trek across the Hudson to New York City. Starting with the NBA, the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks have home games throughout the week against premier competition: the Nets face the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. Pick your borough: Nets tickets here and Knicks tickets here.
On the women’s side, the Unrivaled 3v3 semi-finals are also in New York City on March 2. Watch some of the elite women’s players compete in the second inaugural season here.
Broadway Shows
For some non-sport entertainment, there are no major concerts scheduled for the week of spring break, but that doesn’t mean there aren't shows to catch.
Broadway shows run throughout the week, and with over 70 shows currently on stage, there is sure to be one not yet seen. Some newer shows include: Chess, Maybe Happy Ending, and Death Becomes Her. Some popular shows with well-known faces include Chicago with Whitney Leavitt, Moulin Rouge with Meg Donnelly, and Little Shop of Horrors with Joshua Bassett/Jordan Fisher. Or stick with the cream of the crop: Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King.
Shopping and Thrifting
While others splurge on expensive vacations, consider it catch-up work and treat yourself to some retail therapy.
American Dream offers over 450 retailers to buy some new clothes, 100 dining options to feed the soul, and attractions like Nickelodeon Universe and DreamWorks Water Park to let your inner kid out— it is a one-stop shop, but it might take you hours to get through it all.
Or, ditch the corporate side of shopping and look for some unique thrift items to spruce up your spring wardrobe. MyUnique has numerous locations across New Jersey and New York. American Thrift is a larger spot to hit up, or go straight to the source and dig through piles at Undelco. Kill some time and not your bank account for the next best fit.
Outdoor Activities
Maybe the cold is a welcome treat for you—treat this week like a winter break 2.0 and embrace the snow while it is still here this year. Nothing says winter like skiing or snowboarding, and with a somewhat fresh snowfall, it is the perfect time to head north to Mountain Creek. Use this Groupon deal for a full weekday of snow sport fun (the Go Package includes rental equipment and lift access).
Perhaps the slopes aren’t your speed, and you just want some peaceful nature—or whatever you can get of it this time of year. While not at its peak, Duke Farms is open in the morning until early afternoon, and while there won’t be the birds or greenery it is known for, it is still a great place to walk around and escape the bustle and buildings.
Or head over to the Paterson Great Falls, which are still flowing despite the frigid temperatures. To ensure the water is worth the while, check on the live-cam before heading over.
In-Room Activities
For those in the dorms or those who don’t want to brave the cold temperature, here are some activities to do in the comfort of your room.
With no schoolwork holding you back, take some well-needed time and relax. While in bed, watch some movies you might have missed out on from the past year. With the Oscar ceremony a week after spring break, be that friend who watched all the Best Picture nominees; ten days, ten movies—challenge accepted.
Or use this time to rekindle the love of reading, now that is a choice and not a chore. Here are the best books of 2025 from the New York Times. Find some other time-consuming activities, like crocheting or painting, to help calm your nerves—it is break after all; find your Zen. With most people out of the dorms, or back in the solace of your room, play an instrument or sing to your heart’s content—nobody is around to hear or judge you.
Spring Cleaning
No matter what, this should be a given. Take this time and get rid of the winter blues, the cluttered rooms, and puffy clothes, and bring in the spring feels.
Spring is soon to be upon us, and embrace the upcoming warmth with a clean and fresh slate. Clean your room, your wardrobe, your bathroom, your kitchen, your pet, your yard—everything! Come back from break and out of the winter season anew.
Solomon Lee is the advertising manager for The Setonian. He can be reached at solomon.lee@student.shu.edu.
