The media has more than done its job of portraying spring break as a by-the-numbers week of partying, drinking, and fun in the sun. But not every college student is down for spending a week just relaxing and even those who are, don’t always do things by the book. Just take a look at these four examples of spring breaks with plenty of style:

mtvU Spring Break 2009
What: Concert series
When: March 8 – 21
Where: Panama City Beach, Florida

Plenty of spring break parties will borrow tunes from today’s top artists, but how many can actually boast that they’ll have them playing live? mtvU Spring Break 2009 is the place to be if you’re looking for just that. Students from across the country will enjoy the surf and sand while top artists like Flo Rida, All American Rejects, and Panic at the Disco give live performances.

Mission: Possible
What: Community service
When: March 7 – 14
Where: Denver, Colorado; Jonestown, Mississippi; St. Louis, Missouri; Browning, Montana; Portland, Oregon; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Neah Bay and Tacoma, Washington

Rather than flying off to beaches and resorts, 102 students from around the country will take part in the Mission: Possible program’s community initiatives. Working with children, teens, and schools in the area, these students will have the chance to cleanup and improve the community to which they are assigned. They’ll also get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about a new culture from the inside-out.

Adult Swim Presents: The Williams St. Country Fair and Beach Party
What: Fair and beach party
When: March 12 – 16
Where: Panama City Beach, Florida

A free fair full of fun, games, and all of your typical carnival accoutrements, the Adult Swim Presents: The Williams St. Country Fair and Beach Party also boasts a few one-a-kind staples of its own. Not only will the hip-hop group Jozi be performing, but the comic duo of Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim (Tim and Eric Awesome Show) will as well.

Alternative Spring Break
What: Environment service project
When: March 14 – 21, and March 22 – March 28
Where: Grand Canyon National Park, Montana

Want to spend a week at one of the most beautiful places our country has to offer? Then Alternative Spring Break in Grand Canyon National Park is the destination for you. Sixty students, split into two one-week sessions, will meet to walk the park’s trails, work on vegetation projects, and clean up graffiti.

– Genevieve M. Blaber