SLCC Students Struggle to Adjust After Spring Break

Busy schedules and lack of motivation challenge students returning from time off

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:26pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a blurred campus scene with students walking through a hazy, warm-toned environment, conveying the unfocused, distracted atmosphere as students return from spring break.As SLCC students return from spring break, the hazy, distracted atmosphere on campus reflects the mixed emotions and challenges of transitioning back to busy schedules.Taylorsville Today

Salt Lake Community College students are reporting difficulties adjusting to their packed schedules and staying motivated after returning from spring break. Many students described feeling a mix of relaxation and responsibility during the break, with some saying the time off felt too short as they managed school, work and personal commitments. Now back on campus, students report challenges transitioning back to demanding routines and preparing for end-of-semester deadlines.

Why it matters

The experiences of SLCC students reflect broader national trends, with more than half of college students reporting feeling overwhelmed by their workload during the academic year. As students navigate the transition back to coursework, resources like the Center for Health & Counseling offer support to help minimize stress and get through the final weeks of the semester.

The details

Hung Nguyen, an environmental and sustainability studies major, said his break included both responsibilities and time to unwind, but he felt the break was not long enough. Mel Gam, an interior design major, shared a similar experience, describing the break as necessary but too short. Gam said the hardest part was reorganizing her schedule to reincorporate her responsibilities of having two jobs and being a full-time student.

  • SLCC students returned to class after spring break in late March 2026.
  • The last day of classes for the spring 2026 semester is April 30, with final exams taking place May 2-7.

The players

Hung Nguyen

An environmental and sustainability studies major at SLCC who felt his spring break was not long enough.

Mel Gam

An interior design major at SLCC who described the break as necessary but too short, and struggled to reorganize her schedule with two jobs and being a full-time student.

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What they’re saying

“I did rest, because I was about to burn out, but I also tried to recover the balance between personal care, college and work.”

— Mel Gam, interior design major

“I'm worried about just getting my classes done and keeping myself busy. Some days, I wanna be lazy, but I gotta keep working towards my goals.”

— Hung Nguyen, environmental and sustainability studies major

What’s next

Resources like the Center for Health & Counseling at SLCC are offering support to help students minimize stress and get through the final weeks of the semester.

The takeaway

The challenges SLCC students face in adjusting back to busy schedules and staying motivated after spring break reflect broader national trends of college students feeling overwhelmed by their workloads. As the semester winds down, access to campus support services will be crucial for students to manage stress and complete end-of-term requirements.