On the Friday before Spring Break, the campus had already transformed into a ghost town as cars, filled with excited students, sped away.But not all students have the opportunity to leave campus for every university break or holiday.

Although there may be a small amount of students on campus during breaks, TCU should provide more on-campus dining and social options for non-traveling students.

Fortunately, TCU students can stay on campus during breaks compared to Baylor and Texas State universities that close their residential halls; however, students looking to relax and have fun over their break from classes find themselves in a bind.

“(Frog Bytes) is an inconvenience,” freshman studio art major D.J. Perera said. “If it had ready-made food like salads or sandwiches, that would be better. Variety is key. I can’t see how anyone can eat pizza and bread sticks for 10 days.”

Every on-campus eatery is closed except Frog Bytes, but even that is closed on the weekends of breaks, which forces students to go out to eat. This is especially difficult for students who do not have a means of transportation.

Sophomore ballet major Sarah Yarbrough was on duty as a resident assistant in Sherley Hall during Spring Break.

“I enjoy being on campus to do whatever I need to do,” Yarbrough said. “It was kind of hard with no food options. It would be better for more places to be open.”

Yarbrough said she suggests TCU keeping the grill in the Main or another on-campus eatery open, at least for lunch.

The University of Texas at Austin kept three of its eateries open March 12-16 so students remaining on campus would only have to look elsewhere for meals on the weekends.

Money also tends to be a big issue. Since Spring Break lasts for 10 days, buying three meals a day becomes quite costly. There is some discussion about extending TCU’s dining plan so students can use their student IDs at nearby off-campus restaurants. That would be the best solution to save money if the Main and Frog Bytes must be closed.

As for on-campus entertainment options, TCU does well to keep the library and the Rec Center open. Students can catch up on projects or play a game with a friend. Some RAs on duty spend time getting to know their residents who also stay on campus during movie or game nights.

Perera feels that RAs should have more of those programs but wants the residential hall association to organize activities for all the students still on campus, as well.

The university does not need to keep everything open and running for the few students staying for holidays. Those who work at TCU certainly deserve a break as much as students do. But for those who must remain on campus, especially international students like Perera, TCU should do more to accommodate and fulfill the needs of its students.

Alyssa Dizon is a sophomore broadcast journalism major from Aiea, HI.