Staying Safe and Healthy on Campus
By: Mallory Johnson
Before I go on, I want to reintroduce myself! I am Mallory Johnson, my pronouns are she/her, and I am the new Assistant Editor in Chief at The Quill! I am in my fourth and final year of my Bachelor of Arts with a Gender and Women’s Studies major with a Sociology minor. I love journalism and was even a Student Insider in Maclean’s magazine’s 2022 University Guidebook all thanks to The Quill! I am excited to be back on campus after being online and at home for two full years!
As students and staff are settling into new routines and schedules for the new school year, it is important to remember how to stay safe and healthy on campus. Taking care of yourself is vital and the best way to prevent illness or mental health issues. Hydration, healthy eating, and exercise are great ways to do so. I recommend making a schedule for homework and readings that is attainable for you and does not cause a lot of all-nighters or very early mornings. Make sure you are not always cramming for exams and big projects the night before they are due. Relaxation is key in reducing stress all year, but especially during exam seasons and busy times. Make sure to remind yourself that you have a great support system on campus with staff, classmates, and friends. If you need to talk to someone regarding mental health issues, BU has counselling services.
Safety is very important at all times, so remember that Brandon University has the BSAFE app which is helpful. The app includes emergency contacts, a Safe Walk option, a friend walk option, and a spot to report safety issues. It also has a BU news feed, a safety toolbox, emergency procedures, and student services. The Safe Walk option is useful if you are walking around campus at night (or returning to your dorm after a late night) and do not feel safe; this also goes for the friend walk option. If you are going off campus alone, (for example, if you are going on a date), I recommend telling a trusted friend where you are going and keeping your location services on. Some basic safety tips include always making sure your dorm is locked when you’re out, do not loan out your student ID or keys, and always keep your belongings secured to prevent theft. A Brandon University rule that I learned in my first year is to not open residence doors to people you do not know. The doors are locked and require the Student ID to be scanned to unlock them for a reason. It is also a good idea if you are feeling unsafe to have some sort of self-defense knowledge. Weapons like pepper spray and tasers are illegal in Canada, however a basic knowledge of other forms of self-defense could be very helpful. Remember that BU has campus security if you need them.
If you do get sick and/or injured, make sure to take care of yourself and assess if you need further care. Getting sick while living away from home is not easy, but you got this! Make sure to follow Brandon University’s COVID-19 guidelines (which can be found on the school’s website). Here’s to a great school year!