Ashley Reynolds, Staff Writer
Spring Break is approaching fast, causing a dilemma for the huge portion of students that live in other states and countries, many of which are unable to fly home.
“I can’t afford it,” said Freshman Craig Graves.
Craig’s family lives in Ohio. He did go home during Winter Break, but the round-trip ticket came at a hefty price.
“It cost about four hundred,” said Graves.
Abigail, a student from Alaska, is in the same situation.
When asked why she wasn’t going home over break, she answered, “I’m not made of money.”
Fourteen percent of the University’s undergraduates are international students, and an even higher portion are from out-of-state. For these students, the costs of going home can outweigh the benefits. For a ticket from Tampa to Anchorage, Alaska, booked a week in advance, prices range from $850 to over $1,200. The cost is even higher for those going out of the country.
Instead of going home, these students are getting creative with their plans.
“My best friend is flying here,” said Abigail. “She gets the GI Bill, so she gets to fly in for free. She’s using her pocket change to come here, all the way from Alaska.”
Desiree, who lives in New York, is instead going to Jacksonville. Since she doesn’t have a car, she bought a bus ticket to get there. Other students are planning trips to Miami, Daytona, and Fort Lauderdale.
Thankfully, there’s plenty to do in Florida. The state is one of the top Spring Break destinations for students across the country. The students “stranded” here will easily find someplace local-and more affordable- to visit.
