Monday, March 18, 2013

Spring Break Safety

Take care of yourselves this Spring Break, Trojans!  Come back to Trojan Buildings safe and sound.

Spring Break marks one of the biggest periods of binge drinking each year – when young adults from all over the county head south for a week of vacation and partying with friends. For many people, Spring Break can mean social drinking, often to dangerous excess.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in six U.S. adults binge drinks about four times a month, consuming about eight drinks per binge. About 90 percent of the alcohol consumed by youth under the age of 21 in the United States is in the form of binge drinks.
There are a few simple strategies that can keep your Spring Break safe and sober. Here are a few tips: 

  • Take a trip with non-drinkers – Peer pressure and enabling are big factors when it comes to binge drinking. If you have friends that have demonstrated a history of dangerous behavior, they may not be the best travel companions.


  • Go on a spa outing or nature hike – Find a vacation option that centers on an activity that is not alcohol related. Busying yourself with a highly relaxing or stimulating activity will leave little time for over-indulgence.


  • Avoid trips where alcohol is included in the package – Many Spring Break packages are “all inclusive” and do not charge for alcoholic beverages. Avoid taking trips where alcohol is readily available.


  • Have an exit strategy – Wherever you vacation, chances are you will encounter a tempting situation. Have a plan in place to remove yourself from these situations like excusing yourself to your hotel room, going on a walk or finding a local support group.


  • Stick to your daily routine – Breaking out of your normal routine can often lead to lapses in judgment. Stick to your daily routine of exercise, diet and any other normal practices as much as possible in order to avoid tempting situations.
Excerpts from blog at PRWEB: March 18, 2013

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

To Share or NOT To Share


There are many decisions USC students make over the course of a school year.  Clearly, you have to choose your classes and determine your scholastic goals.  Some decisions are less pressing, such as whether to eat gluten-free or whether to visit the beautiful Los Angeles beaches more.  Not many decisions have the sticking power of a college roommate.

Now, there are usually ways out of a bad roommate situation.  For example, at Trojan Buildings you are allowed to find a person to sublet.  It is better, no doubt, to answer this question for yourself BEFORE you call the movers.  What situation will give you more peace of mind?

Pros of having your own place to yourself:
  1. Privacy.  You have the whole apartment to yourself!
  2. You can do what you like.  You don’t have to worry about another’s schedule or preferences.
  3. No roommate to take/use your stuff/eat your food.
  4. No problems sleeping because your roommate is partying (or worse) when you need sleep or quiet.
  5. No haggling over the TV.
  6. It’s probably going to be easier to concentrate on your studies.
  7. You have to opportunity to really grow and learn to care for yourself and your own surroundings.

Pros of having a roommate:
1.      Someone to talk to and share your university experience with.
2.      Financial help with rent and/or utilities.
3.      You could make a lifelong friend.  (My mom is still best friends with her college roommate!)
4.      Possible help with homework.
5.      Someone there in case of lock-outs or emergencies.
6.      You can learn to share and adjust to others.
7.      You can be exposed to new foods/ideas/philosophies.

Tell us about your experiences.  Have you made a friend for life?  Did you make any amazing discoveries about yourself or others?  Are you the “live alone and like it” type?

*No real names, please.  Be nice.