With Spring Break right around the corner, it is important to make sure your student is prepared for the week away from Aggieland. We hope these tips will help spark conversations with your student regarding their Spring Break plans so they can have fun and return to Aggieland safely!
Safety: It is important to all of us that your student returns to Aggieland safely. Websites such as www.safespringbreak.org are a great resource of safety tips for students as they travel. Some of these safety tips include:
- If your student is planning to drive, make sure they wear their seatbelt and share the driving responsibilities.
- When staying in a hotel, it is imperative your student use the safe in the room (if provided) to store all valuables. Always keep doors and windows locked and the shades drawn closed.
- Get cash before leaving! Students should always have some cash on them in case of emergencies on the road.
- Wear sunscreen! Encourage your student to wear at least SPF 15 and reapply often.
Travel Tips: It can be very easy for students to head off to Spring Break without thoroughly planning their trip. Make sure to touch base with them to reaffirm their travel plans, hotel accommodations, and food for the week. Have them provide you contact information of other persons in their party and the number of any resort/hotel they where they will be staying.
Lock it Up: Spring Break is a time when many students leave the Bryan/College Station area and forget to safely secure their belongings. Remind your student not to leave valuables sitting out and to close all window blinds/curtains so you cannot see into their room. Also, they need to lock all doors and windows before leaving for the week. If no one will be home during the week, encourage them to adjust the air conditioner appropriately so they do not incur high electric bills.
Alcohol Safety Tips: While Spring Break can be a time for rest and fun, it can also be a time when students drink in excess. Be sure to talk with your students about following some general guidelines in order to protect themselves this spring break. If students will be drinking alcohol, make sure to remind them to pace their drinking and also drink plenty of water. According to a University of Wisconsin study, 75 percent of college males and 43 percent of females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during Spring Break. It is important to educate your student about the dangers this poses and to drink responsibly.
Remind your student:
- Drinking and driving should never be an option.
- Stay with friends and have a sober driver.
- Eat a meal high in protein before drinking.
- Set a limit on the number of drinks you consume.
- Drink no more than one standard drink per hour.
- Drink water in between drinks.
- Drink within the limits of the law.
- Make sure to always have a plan.
- Enjoy the break in the best way possible: in relaxation, fun, with friends, and safe.