Ryerson’s winter study week (Feb. 20 to 24) is coming up fast, and that means it’s almost time to spend a week sleeping, watching Netflix and drinking — because who actually studies during study week?
Or, if the thought of spending a week watching every Marvel movie on Netflix makes you want to scratch out your eyeballs, consider going on a vacation to get away from it all. Trips don’t have to break the bank, either; we know how expensive the cost of living is in Toronto. Here are some trips that are relatively affordable and are sure to help you “study.”
Once again, the Ryerson Students’ Union is offering a discounted three-day trip to Montreal from Feb. 22 to 25. For Ryerson students, prices vary from $229 to $329 depending on how many people are in your room. Non-Ryersonians are welcome to attend for a slightly higher rate. Activities on offer include a ski trip to Mount Avila ($65), a Quebec City day trip ($50), a skating outing ($8) and an evening of smoking shisha ($20). Purchase your tickets before Feb. 17 at the Member Services Office, SCC Lobby at 55 Gould St. or online.
For students who want to do good for the world during their break, Projects Abroad has a six-day alternative Spring Break trip to Colima, Mexico where participants help protect turtles, birds and crocodiles at a sanctuary. The trip runs from Feb. 19 to 25 and costs $1,645; the price includes accommodation and food, but doesn’t include your flight. Students will stay in a shared house with other volunteers or with a host family.
If you prefer the snow and want to stay a little bit closer to home, Horseshoe Valley Ski Resort is offering discounted student lift tickets from Feb. 21 to 24. If you bring your student card, you can hit the slopes at the Barrie, Ont. resort — just an hour and a half north of Toronto — for $39 rather than the regular price of $56. Overnight accommodation starts at $139 per night before tax, but that doesn’t include rental equipment, food or beer.
Red Tag Vacations has a page dedicated to Canadian study week beach vacations at discounted prices. Students, assuming they fly out of Toronto, can tan at Club Amigo Ancon in Cienfuegos, Cuba for $1168 from Feb. 19 to 26, or lounge on the beach with a cerveza at Gran Festivall in Manzanillo, Mexico from Feb. 17 to 24 for $1165. Both of those packages are all-inclusive, meaning your flight, food and drinks are all a part of the price. So wicked. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.
If an American spring break trip is more your style, Sunquest Vacations is offering a three-night $854 package to the Ocean Five Hotel in Miami, Florida from Feb. 20 to 23. The price includes your flight, accommodation and breakfast, but not your other meals, drinks or tickets to the beach parties. Just keep in mind that a “wet T-shirt contest” doesn’t mean you win a free T-shirt.
Part of the masthead of The Ryersonian in Winter 2017. Graduating from Ryerson Journalism in April 2017. Beer lover and hockey fan.