College students are hitting the beach for spring break — but it's not warm and sunny.

16 Pace University students are spending their vacation at Beach 126th St. in the Rockaways, repairing a home that Hurricane Sandy damaged.

"When you're, you know, our age and in college, you have a lot of free time on your hands — more than you probably realize — so it's a good time to make a difference," said volunteer Joseph Kelly, a college junior.

They are volunteering with the storm recovery non-profit organization, the Saint Bernard Project.  For four days this week, they are renovating and painting.

The students also take part in a series of discussions about the impact natural disasters can have on a community.

While the homeowners did not want to appear on camera, they said they felt blessed to have the support.

They lived in their Belle Harbor house for 27 years before Sandy hit, and said they cannot wait until it feels like home again.