We are almost there Vandals. Spring Break is right around the corner — the halfway point of the spring semester.
While it might not look or feel like spring here in Moscow, perhaps you are headed to somewhere with warmer weather. Regardless of where you may be spending your break, we want you to be able to safely enjoy your break.
Here are my top 10 tips to have a safe break.
Gabrielle Stone | Vandal Health Peer Educator
— Make sure if you are driving somewhere that you have everything you need for the ride. A few good things to have: A shovel, jumper cables, a blanket, a case of water and a first aid kit. Hopefully, you won’t be in a situation where you need these things, but it is always best to be prepared.
— It is helpful to tell someone where you are going, how long you expect to be traveling and to let them know when you have arrived, especially if you are traveling alone.
— Check the weather before you leave. We have had a heavy winter and road conditions can change unexpectedly, so stay updated on conditions and postpone your travel plans if you are concerned about your safety.
— If you’re going somewhere warm and spending some much needed time soaking in the sun, be sure to put on sunscreen. SPF 30+ every two hours is recommended.
— Take protection with you! Think you might need condoms over the break, but don’t want to buy them? Vandal Health Education gives them away for free in our Well Space, just inside the Student Recreation Center so you can walk in and discreetly grab what you need. There you can also find a condom map that showcases all of the other locations on campus that you can access a variety of free condoms.
— Spring Break is a good time to relax and unwind. If you choose to drink, be sure to do it smartly. Setting a limit and keeping track of the number of drinks you have can be a great safer drinking strategy. A standard drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.
— Get active! The winter weather may make it more tempting to stay indoors, but use spring break to get moving. Activity of any kind has immediate benefits for both your physical and mental health.
— Don’t forget about your homework! While it’s good to take a break, there is probably an assignment you could be working on as well. Work on it throughout the week to avoid much of the stress.
— Taking a break can be a good time to check in with your mental health. All students can access free and confidential counseling at the Counseling and Testing Center. Make an appointment by calling 208-885-6716 or stopping by Forney Hall.
— Vandals take care of Vandals. Check in and reach out to each other to stay connected, get help with travel or to make a new friend. We have each other’s backs. Bonus tip: Enjoy it! Whether you are staying here in Moscow, traveling back home to see your dog, or going somewhere elsewhere, soak it up. Use this time to energize you and help you finish out strong.
We are almost there! Go Vandals!