Indiana University Indianapolis students will be ready for a break after midterm exams. But whether students are staying on campus or vacationing during spring break, Health and Wellness promotion and IU Police Department encourage you to do it safely.
IU Public Safety will be doing its part to ensure the campus is monitored with security checks regularly throughout the week. Health and Wellness Promotion hopes IU Indianapolis students will take this time to rest, recharge and enjoy their time off safely.
Here are some spring break tips and resources to help IU Indianapolis students stay safe while making the most out of their time off.
Keep track of belongings
Whether you are planning on a staycation or traveling outside campus, be sure to protect your belongings.
- Lock up and secure your valuables, such as your car, bike or electronics.
- Before leaving, double check that all entrances to your dorm room, apartment or home are locked.
Travel safely
- Avoid posting your vacation photos or videos on social media in real time; wait until you return. Broadcasting such information may encourage thieves to take advantage of an empty home.
- Beware of booking scams or tourist traps if traveling abroad. For example, before paying for your stay at an Airbnb, confirm the location’s existence and call the booking number.
- Call your bank ahead of time and alert them of your upcoming travel. Without this, the bank may see your travel charges as abnormal and block the card for fraud.
- Pay attention to your surroundings. If you listen to music while traveling, use only one ear bud to allow you to hear what’s going on around you. If you are flying, taking a train or using public transportation, secure your belongings when seated and pay attention to people around you.
Be responsible with alcohol and drugs
- Make a plan to have a designated driver, or schedule transportation to and from the location.
- Pace yourself, drink water, count your drinks, be vigilant of the contents of your drink, and never leave your drink alone.
- Be cautious of where you are traveling to and be cognizant of your surroundings.
- Get familiar with the Indiana Lifeline Law or similar laws in your place of travel.
- Know the risks and effects of alcohol and drugs.
- Know the warning signs of alcohol poisoning:
- Cannot be awakened.
- Cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin.
- Slow, shallow or irregular breathing.
- Vomiting while passed out and does not wake up.
Be vigilant during social situations
- Make a friend or family member aware of your location and itinerary.
- Have a buddy wherever you go. If you need a buddy while on campus, contact Safety Escort at 317-274-SAFE (7233) or the Virtual Escort through the Guardian Safety App.
Take care of your mental health
- Know that all of the IU Indianapolis services are still available during spring break, whether you’re in town or traveling.
- Learn about more of the mental health resources IU Indianapolis has to offer.
- Save these 24/7 national services hotlines on your phone.
- If you need immediate assistance, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Be sure to pick up your free Safe Spring Break Kits from Health and Wellness Promotion in the Campus Center from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 11.
