Don’t Let Spring Break Break You

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‌Dear Rams,
Spring break is an exciting time to unwind, have fun, and make lasting memories. It is also important to prioritize your health, well-being, and safety during this time. Whether you’re traveling with friends, visiting loved ones, or enjoying a staycation, taking proactive steps to prioritize your safety and the well-being of others can help ensure you have a positive experience.

Spring Break Tips 
If you are hosting a party, visit Off Campus Life for responsible social gathering, party smart tips, and Party Registration. For those planning to host St. Patrick’s Day parties in Fort Collins, the deadline for registering them is Thursday, March 13.

If you choose to consume alcohol:

  • Make your own drinking choices, drink only if you want to, and stick with the limit you set for yourself. Be 21 or over to avoid underage drinking issues.
  • Know how much alcohol is in your drink; don’t mix alcohol with medications, drugs, or energy drinks; and never leave a drink unattended or accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
  • Drink water and eat a snack before, during, and after drinking.
  • Make a plan before going out for how to get home safely. Stay and leave with the same group of friends and designate a driver or utilize safe rides home. RamRide will run a Lyft code on St. Patrick’s Day. It will be good for $15 off a Lyft ride, nationwide. Check the RamRide app or Instagram for coupon codes.

If you choose to use substances:

  • Know what is in them. It is not uncommon for drugs to be cut/laced with fentanyl.
  • Consider carrying Narcan in case of an accidental overdose.
  • Fentanyl testing strips and Narcan are located at the Health and Medical Center, on the third floor in the Health Education and Prevention Services Office and in the Mental Health Services waiting area Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. You can also request them at https://health.colostate.edu/narcan-and-fentanyl-test-strips-request/.
  • If you are traveling for spring break, share your plans with a friend or family member and better yet, have a travel buddy.

Safety Tips
With the weather getting warmer, doors and windows are often left open or unlocked and we see increased incidents of peeping toms and unwanted visitors entering homes.  Be aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, report illegal and concerning behavior, and look out for one another. If someone needs help, you can make a difference. If you or anyone you know experiences this behavior, you can call the SAFE Center’s confidential 24/7 Victim Assistance Team hotline at (970) 492-4242. An advocate will be available to support you.

Leasing Tips  
Beware of rental scams. Red flags include the landlord refusing to speak with you over the phone or in person, requiring you to sign a lease and pay a security deposit before touring a property, charging you to tour a property, asking for your bank account number, or offering to send you money to help with moving (or other expenses) and asking for you to send back any money you do not use. If you believe a rental posting is a scam, reach out to Off-Campus Life or Student Legal Services for support. You can also review these Lease Tips and sign up for a Lease Review before you sign.

Mental Health and Well-Being  

With everything going on in the world and the heightened stresses of Spring semester, you might find yourself needing some additional support. We want you to know that you are not alone. Visit student mental health and well-being support resources, which includes mental health crisis care support resources.

Rams Take Care of Rams. If you are concerned about a friend or classmate, use Tell Someone by calling (970) 491-1350 or visiting the Tell Someone website to share your concerns with a professional who can discreetly connect the distressed individual with the proper resources. Reach out and ask for help if you or someone you know is having a difficult time.

For additional resources, check out the Spring Break Safety Guide. I wish you a relaxing, safe, and renewing spring break!

Craig Chesson
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Colorado State University