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Warm weather and new adventures are only a flight away. With spring break in a few days, many students are preparing to fly across the nation and outside of North America.
Spring break comes at a time when most students are exhausted and ready for a good time. While this break allows students to get re-energized, it can also be dangerous.
“There is nothing more exciting than spring break, but it’s really important to be safe and be thoughtful about what you are going to be doing,” said Dean of Students, Robert Dana.
Florida is a common destination for students during break. What many college students don’t know is that Florida ranks fifth in the United States for identity theft.
The state’s high rank is attributed to its popularity as a tourist state. All identity thieves need is a victim’s name, social security number and date of birth. Once they obtain these they can open credit cards and take loans out in the victim’s name and start ruining his or her credit.
Bankrate.com suggests that travelers not carry extra credit cards or important identity documents except when needed. They also suggest examining credit card statements before paying them and when dining, keep track of how the credit or debit card is run through.
Identity theft isn’t the only danger to students on break. Alcohol consumption and binge drinking are frequently risky activities students engage in. Often, spring break packages have alcoholic drinks included in the price, which easily lures students in. Vacation packages for Mexico are quick to point out that the drinking age there is eighteen.
Partying, drugs and sex are ways students on vacation choose to express their freedom. All too often, alcohol is the source of this freedom. It tends to erase fear and make one feel as if nothing is holding them back. Alcohol is often referred to as ‘social lubrication’. Though the biggest factor in spring break over-consumption is that many college students do not know how to limit themselves.
“For most people, spring break is a wonderful time, lots of fun with friends but for a few, it becomes a bit more, especially when you add alcohol into the picture,” said Professor of Human Sexuality and Family Relations, Sandy Caron. “In addition, the anonymity one experiences over spring break by being in a new place, where no one knows you, opens up opportunities for you to try things you might not consider within the confines of the small university, where you have to see these people the next weekend.”
A study done by the Journal of American College Health found the average man reported drinking 18 drinks per day and the average women reported drinking 10 drinks a day on spring break. Of the 442 women and 341 men surveyed, more than 50 percent of men and 40 percent of women drank until they became sick or passed out at least once.
Another study of college students on spring break showed that of the men who consumed more than 5 drinks and women who consumed more than 4 drinks, 49.7 percent engaged in unplanned sex. Of those, 52.3 percent engaged in unprotected sex.
Cassie Putnam, a fourth-year nutrition major isn’t traveling this year but went to Panama City, Florida last year for spring break. “The best part of my trip last year was the warm weather and being able to lay on the beach, I didn’t care as much about going out at night.”
Two other UMaine students will be heading to New York City for their spring break. Third-year engineering major Brian Hayes will be attending a concert while in the big apple. “I have never been to New York so I am pretty excited to experience the city.”
Mellissa Kierman, a first-year biology major, is heading to New York City to visit her boyfriend. “We don’t have too much planned, just going to relax.”
Chris Fournier, second-year mechanical engineering major will be venturing to Port Charlotte, Florida. “I plan to enjoy the warm weather and the break in general.”
Dana said to remember to have fun while being safe and not taking unnecessary risks. “Moderation in everything will result in an enjoyable break.”
