2026 Spring Break Safety

A pair of UAlbany students sit in the shade of flowering trees.

While it may be Spring Break, winter weather in the Capital Region is still possible. With that in mind, here are a few additional tips if you are planning to be away.

  • If you are planning on leaving your car in Albany over the winter break, make arrangements to have it parked somewhere off the street. If a Snow Emergency is declared and your car is left parked on the street, it will likely be towed. During University breaks, you can park your car on-campus in the Colonial Quad Northwest Resident parking lot if you have a valid resident or commuter student parking permit.
  • Make sure any space heaters are unplugged before you leave, to avoid a fire risk.
  • With fluctuating temperatures, it is incredibly important to set your thermostat to at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit when you leave to prevent your pipes from freezing and potentially bursting while you are gone.

If you plan on traveling over the break, make sure you’re being as safe as possible by following a few travel tips:

  • Protect your location; don’t post photos of where you are until you return home.
  • Arrive and leave with friends if you’re traveling with a group and designate a place and time to meet if you get separated.
  • If you’re traveling somewhere warm, stay hydrated and remember to use sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • Always vet the place you’ll be staying, whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb or some other property. Make sure it’s reputable. 

If you’re traveling internationally:

  • Carry a copy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
  • Have the contact info for the US Embassy or Consulate in the country you’re visiting.
  • Carry a small amount of cash in the local currency, for emergencies.
  • Be aware of the laws of the country you’re in, especially as they relate to drug or alcohol use.
  • Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the US State Department. This program enables the State Department to contact you in case of an emergency, or notify you in the event of a crisis near your international destination.

Whatever your plans are, have a happy and safe Spring Break!