You’ve been counting down the days since Jan. 25, and finally, spring break is here. Campus has been looking forward to taking a week off for a while now, and after a week of midterms, group projects and papers, I think each and every Rebel has earned a rest.
For those of you who have opted for a quiet week spent at home — eating free food out of your parents’ pantry, working to earn some extra cash or just visiting your dog that you haven’t seen since mid-January — I say kick back, relax and enjoy the comforts of home.
But for those who have opted for the more #SB2k16 kind of Spring Break, here’s some friendly advice you should bring along with you as you head out to fulfill your youthful destiny.
1. Don’t forget to pack things you actually need: Everyone is excited about the cute new swimsuit they bought online last week or the brand new sunglasses they got on sale, but make sure you remember to bring the things you’ll actually need with you. Did you remember a towel? An extra change of clothes? Your cellphone charger? A toothbrush and toothpaste? Underwear? The last thing you want to do is end up having to fork over an arm and leg buying something you forgot at home at some overpriced beach shop.
2. Sunscreen: Whether you’re going skiing or braving the beach next week, sunscreen is a must. Not only are sunburns painful and annoying, they can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Most sunscreens need to be reapplied every few hours, so keep some handy if you’re going to be outside. Make sure to apply a good layer anytime you plan to spend a significant amount of time outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, even if you’re not swimming. And don’t forget to get your face and neck!
3. Extra eyes: If you wear contacts, bring your glasses with you. When my father was a college man, he went on a trip with his friends to some beach or another. He tells the story of how as soon as he got to the water, he dove in with that free spirit of youth, unbridled and unafraid, until he opened his eyes and ruined his contacts. He spend the rest of the trip pretty much blind. And don’t forget sunglasses either; speaking from personal experience, your eyes can become sunburned and it’s really awful.
4. Bring your calling card: As lame as it sounds, it would be a good idea if you took out a little index card right now and wrote down all the important numbers you might need. I know you’ve heard it before, but we really do live in a digital age of convenience, and as a result, hardly anyone knows a phone number by heart anymore. I for one only have two phone numbers memorized: mine and my mom’s. We’ve all heard horror stories of people dropping their phones off ski lifts, off a cliff while taking a picture, walking into the ocean only to realize your phone was in your pocket the whole time or having it stolen by some jerk, along with your favorite t-shirt and one sandal. Not to mention, if you’re in a strange place, and you get lost and your phone dies, it becomes very hard to find your way home. The best way to avoid going off-the-grid by accident is to have your emergency numbers somewhere handy besides your phone. Just in case.
5. Stay hydrated: I said it during football season, I said it during finals and I’ll say it again: stay hydrated. Spring break is a popular time of year to consume a lot of beverages, but sometimes when you’re having fun, you forget about your ole pal, H2O. No one wants to be that guy who didn’t drink any water all day, spent the whole day in the sun, got dehydrated and threw up after dinner. It is commonly recommended the average person drink 8 glasses of water a day – or about half a gallon. So while you’re off having adventures all week, be sure to crack open a (preferably reusable or recyclable) water bottle and hydrate up.
6. Don’t get wasteful: Just because you’re on vacation and having a good time doesn’t mean you have an excuse to toss empty bottles or cans into the ocean, leave all the lights on in your cabin or hotel room and let the water run while you brush your teeth. Is that how you think Leonardo DiCaprio spends his spring break? No. A lot of spring break destinations are popular because of their natural beauty, so do your part to respect the environment and keep it clean and healthy. Let spring break be a time to contribute to fun, not global warming.
7. Don’t be that person: It’s all fun and games until it’s not. Keep in mind that while you’re out there in the big world, you’re still representing Ole Miss, and you’ve got a lot to live for. Be sure you’re staying safe and smart. And I don’t just mean don’t accept rides from strangers or get on a boat without a life vest (but you should keep that in mind, too). I mean know your limits and stand by them. If you’re not comfortable doing something, say so. If something seems like a really stupid idea, don’t do it. Spring break is a time to unwind from all the stresses of spring semester, get some sun or sleep and enjoy yourself.
– McKenna Wierman
