The weather is getting warmer and the campus is looking greener. These changes let us know that spring is arriving soon. And for us, this means that spring break will arrive before we know it. Spring break allows us to let loose and relax during the semester. While it is important that we have fun, let me also remind you of some important safety tips to practice.
- Practice safe sex
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At a party, club, Airbnb, or home, no matter where you spend your spring break, please don’t forget to practice safe sex. If you’re a woman being intimate with a man you don’t know well, it is recommended to always wear a condom. I know you all know this already, but condoms don’t just help to prevent unplanned pregnancies. They can also help to stop the spread of STDs.
- Keep Your Friends Close
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If you decide to go to a party, club, or travel to an unfamiliar city, it is important to surround yourself with people that you trust. Keeping your friends close in these settings could potentially reduce your risk of being put in danger. You and your friends can keep an eye out for each other, making sure no one is left alone in a vulnerable state. Sharing your location with friends beforehand or setting a time and place to meet are helpful tips in case you all get separated.
- Stay Hydrated and Wear Sunscreen
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Many college students will hit the beach for their spring break. If you are, don’t forget to drink water and wear your sunscreen! Drinking enough water is always important, but especially when spending all day in the sun or after a night of drinking. Wearing sunscreen can help to prevent nasty sunburns that will leave you sore during the rest of your week, while also preventing sun poisoning and sun rashes.
- Be Wary of Strangers
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Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who would like to take advantage of young college students on spring break. Keep your guard up when a stranger approaches you, no matter how old or young they are. Don’t give away too much information about yourself, especially if the stranger asks about where you’re staying and how long you’ll be staying. Keep your guard up and trust your gut instincts.
While having fun, we can still be safe and take care of ourselves. These are just a few tips that I have learned about staying safe during spring break. Use common sense when approaching situations and trust your gut instinct! Stay safe this year!