By THE COUNSELING CENTER
Spring break is thought of as a time to relax and have fun in the sun. Social media tends to be flooded with images of college students hanging out on warm beaches. The reality is that less than 25% of all college students in the United States go somewhere special on spring break. Most students don’t go anywhere except home to go to work and/ or rest with family and friends— and that can be the best break of all.
For those going away for spring break, here are some tips to stay safe on the trip.
Always use the buddy system – don’t go places alone and make sure that someone knows where you are going.
Have contact information and other information about where you are staying. While you don’t want to share this information with everyone, it is good to have in case something happens to you or if you need help.
Use sun protection – Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours. Don’t forget your neck (front and back) and the tops of your ears.
Plan a budget so you don’t end up in debt for your week away.
Thinking about drinking over spring break – whether going away or not?
Remember that not everyone drinks – you can bring your own non-alcoholic drink.
If you are going to drink, make sure you have a designated non-drinker that can help with transportation and to use as a guide for decisions.
Set guidelines for drinking before you go out – including a monetary budget.
Keep your drink safe – make sure you know what is in your drink.
Order a drink from a sealed beverage that you watched being opened.
Don’t lose sight of your drink.
Don’t take a drink from someone you don’t know.
Moderate your drinking.
Pace yourself.
Alternate with water.
Be sure to eat.
Don’t make any big decisions when you have been drinking or go with anyone that you don’t know.
Remember that no matter what you choose to do on spring break, it is a time to get away from the everyday routine of going to class. It is a great time for some self-care and recharging your energy for the second half the semester.
For more tips on a safe spring break, see the Alcohol and Other Drugs committee table in the campus center on Monday Feb. 24 through Wednesday Feb. 26.
If you would like to discuss keeping yourself safe, alcohol use, or if you want to come and talk about anything, reach out to the Counseling Center. Come see us at 441 Western Ave. for an initial screening session. We also have evening hours! We are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please call 518-454-5200 with any questions. Follow us on Instagram @csrcounselingctr to learn about upcoming events.
