Whether you live on main campus, south campus or off campus, there are some simple things you can do to stay safe and healthy while you are on Spring break. Spring break is all about de-stressing from your hectic college life. Keep these suggestions in mind and you'll come back from break healthy, refreshed and feeling fine!
Staying home:
Get caught up on sleep. It will boost your immune system and bolster your brain.
Treat yourself to a massage or a warm aromatherapy bath.
Cook a meal from scratch for your family or friends.
Explore! Go for a walk or hike where you've never been before or take a day trip .
Take time for quiet reflection and renewal.
Going away:
Heading south or to the ski slopes? Be sure to use plenty of sunscreen and wear UV blocking sunglasses.
Don't come home with something you didn't leave home with: a sexually transmitted infection! Use condoms and dental dams every time you have sex.
Have fun with physical activities that don't involve alcohol such as sports, swimming, biking or dancing.
Always wear your seat belt and use appropriate safety gear when boating or playing sports.
Wash your hands or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer to minimize your risk of picking up a cold, flu or staph infection.
Apartment safety:
Be sure there is good lighting around doors, especially those doors not visible from the street.
Lock sliding doors, and place a wooden or metal bar in the track of the doors.
Do not hide spare keys in places outside.
Buy a timer that automatically turns on interior and exterior lights at a predetermined time or when there is motion.
Arrange for a neighbor whom you trust to watch over your house or to store your valuables while you are away.
Take anything of value home with you. Do not leave any valuable items near windows.
Take pictures of anything valuable in case it is stolen.
Make sure all windows are secure and have curtains on them.
If you have a security alarm, make sure you turn it on when leaving.
Ask the post office to hold any mail for you until you return from break.
Remove all air conditioner units from windows.
Make sure all electrical items are unplugged. (Refrigerator can remain plugged in.)
Turn your heat down, but no lower than 55 degrees.
Make sure beds, couches, curtains or anything flammable are at least 2 feet away from heat sources.
Fly Smart:
Information adapted from:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/simplifly.shtm
If you are flying to an exotic location for spring break or if you are just flying home it is important to fly smart to allow you to get to your destination hassle free and on time. You should arrive 60 minutes prior to your departure time if you are flying domestically and 90 minutes for international flights. Always make sure you call the airline before you leave to make sure the flight is still on time to avoid waiting at the airport. Many airlines allow you to check two bags (max. 50 pounds each), but some airlines have recently changed their policy to only allow passengers to check one bag for free and charge for the second, or even charge for both. It is important to check with your airline prior to check-in to avoid extra fees. To get through the security checkpoint without a hitch it is important to follow these tips:
Pack an organized carry-on bag using layers - a layer of clothes, then electronic, more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help security officers see what's in your bag.
Have your boarding pass and ID ready for inspection when you get to the checkpoint.
Remove your coat and shoes and place them in a bin.
Place any oversized electronics (laptops, full-size video game consoles, DVD players and video cameras that use cassettes) in a separate bin. iPods and other smaller electronics can stay in your carry-on bag.
Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and put your one quart baggie separately in the bin.
When in doubt, leave it out. If you're not sure about whether you can bring an item through the checkpoint, put it in your checked bag or leave it at home.
