Some Penn Staters took last week's spring break juggling sunscreen and jumbo margaritas in tropical climates. Others ground Fritos dust into mom and dad's living room sofa and watched episode after episode of The Ashlee Simpson Show.

But, for a select few students, the spring break fun would be had in familiar settings: They stayed put in State College over break.

Luke Fraenza (senior-computer science) was among them. And he, like many students who spent their week in town, noted how much of a difference a 40,000-student exodus can make on a place like State College.

"It's been extremely dead," Fraenza said. "I got out and walked around a little early in the week, but there was just nobody on the streets. It's like a ghost town."

Fraenza, a native of Dingmans Ferry, doesn't have a car in State College and didn't bother setting up a ride for himself. He instead spent the week at his apartment. Fraenza would be the first to tell you he wasn't up to too much over break.

"I sat around and watched Mr. Show, had a Mr. Show marathon," Fraenza said.

Anything else?

"Not really. I've just been sitting around, reading coming books, and watching some movies," Fraenza said. "Pretty much being a bum."

When asked whether his Friday night was any more eventful than the preceding week, Fraenza noted one difference.

"Oh, I talked with an old friend for a while, that was good," Fraenza said, pausing for a second. "I've basically just been bored out of my skull."

In addition to hours logged in front of the glowing box, Fraenza did some homework, and ventured out occasionally when one of his roommates -- who were both in and out of town all week -- was around to accompany him.

"Tuesday we went to Sports Café [244 W. College Ave.] for the wings, played the quiz game," Fraenza said. "But besides me and my roommate there were probably five other people there."

Fraenza said his Thursday evening trip to The Saloon, 340 E. College Ave., was slightly more bristling, but even the traditionally crowded haunt seemed virtually abandoned.

"It was definitely empty for a Thursday night at The Saloon," Fraenza said.

As for the option of going home and catching up on sleep, Fraenza didn't seem too broken up about not making it back to Dingmans Ferry.

"It kind of would've been nice to see the family, but a whole week there would've been boring," Fraenza said. "Even more boring than here."

Unlike a lot of students who stay in State College over breaks for their jobs, Fraenza, who works at Jimmy John's, 220 W. College Ave., said his employers predicted slow business and didn't feel the need to give him any hours.

"I stopped by a couple times during the week," Fraenza said. "Everybody who was working just seemed bored. They were cleaning everything possible just to keep from going crazy."

On Saturday afternoon, Fraenza said his plans for that night were shaping up a lot like his plans for the previous one.

"It'll probably be more of the same, although I might go to the bars," Fraenza said. "I noticed more people were around today, so places might be a little more kickin."

Ultimately, Fraenza didn't seem at all disappointed with his uneventful break.

"It was a good break, a little boring, maybe, but very relaxing," Fraenza said. "It's nice not having to go to class and do work and stuff."

Last night, with students trickling back into town, Fraenza was again scheduled to work.

"It should be busy with the rush of people coming back," Fraenza said. "I wish I didn't have to work, though. I'd like to hang out with the rush of people coming back."