Although many college campuses around the United States provide students with a fall break sometime between the start of the first semester and Thanksgiving break, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse does not. Instead, the first break students receive after starting school in September does not come until late November. 

Students at UWL are pretty much in consensus that this is way too long to go without at least a few days off.  

UWL Senior Ben Trudeau chooses to see the positives as he described, “Well, being a student here for four years now, I have kind of gotten used to not having a fall break. Even though I still wish we had one, it does make me appreciate Thanksgiving break a lot more because I really make the most out of the time spent with my family and hometown friends.” 

On the other hand, UWL Freshman Kiah Mathiason stated, “It sucks seeing all of my friends from other colleges get to go home in October and see their families. I don’t have a car here, so my options are really limited on when I get to go home. They all tell me that getting that little bit of time off is so helpful in keeping them motivated during school.”  

UWL Sophomore Carter Ricco explained, “Yeah…I’m not really sure why we don’t get a fall break, but I really wish we did. Honestly, by the time October hits I already need a break. Even just having like a Thursday and Friday off in mid to late October would help so much with keeping me focused on school.” 

Freshman Megan Schwarz also agreed that having a fall break would be beneficial. She stated, “Thanksgiving break goes by so quickly. By the time I have to go back to school, I feel like I just got home! I think having a fall break would be extremely beneficial because, especially as a freshman, time to see your home and family would help a lot.  

Garrett Thomas, a Freshman at UWL, described, “It is way too long to go two months without getting a break. Even high schoolers get a break in the fall, so I don’t see why UWL doesn’t give us one. I’m sure the teachers wish we had one too. I really think we should get a fall break.” 

It is clear to see that many students think they could be better focused and less homesick if UWL implemented a fall break into the school year. Until then, however, students will have to wait until Thanksgiving to unwind and take some time off.