Summer break is in full swing, offering the perfect chance to relax, travel, and enjoy what you love. As you make the most of your time off, it is important to stay safe and take care of yourself. Whether you are heading home, exploring new places, or staying on campus, here are a few helpful reminders to keep in mind.

A gentle reminder

Please keep an eye on your visa's expiration date. If you need to extend your visa or apply for a stay permit, be sure to take care of it early to avoid any issues related to overstaying.

Make a habit of checking your email and following your university's official WeChat account. Important updates are shared there, including notices about the start of the new semester. Be sure to prepare for registration according to your university's guidelines.

If you fall sick or get injured during the break, contact your insurance company's hotline straight away. To ensure your claim is valid, you must visit a public hospital in the Chinese mainland. Remember to keep all receipts for reimbursement.

Safety reminders

1. Follow traffic rules

If you ride a motorcycle or electric bike, always wear a helmet and obey traffic rules and signs. Never drink and drive, and do not speed under any circumstances. Make sure your vehicle is properly registered and has a valid license plate. Riding an unregistered vehicle can result in fines and legal responsibility in the event of an accident.

When walking, use designated crosswalks, stay alert, and avoid distractions such as using your mobile phone. Playing or roughhousing on the road is strictly prohibited.

Charging electric bikes indoors is strictly prohibited. Always use the designated charging stations provided by your property management to avoid fire risks.

2. Prevent fires and theft

To reduce the risk of fire, use electricity responsibly. Do not use unauthorized appliances, open flames, or store flammable items in your dorm room. Always unplug electrical devices before leaving your room.

Shanghai is a very safe city, but it's still important to take precautions. Before heading out, double-check that your doors and windows are locked, and take good care of your valuables.

3. Maintain a healthy routine

It is easy to fall into bad habits during the break, but try to avoid excessive drinking or staying up too late. Maintain a balanced routine and eat well. Enjoy your holiday, but remember to take care of yourself.

If you are living on campus, please continue to follow dormitory rules. Come back on time to rest and avoid staying out overnight without permission. Visitors from outside the dormitory are prohibited.

4. Stay alert for telecom fraud

Scams can become more common during the holidays. Be cautious of offers such as:

• Super cheap flight tickets or hotel deals online
• Strangers inviting you to travel together
• Phone calls from someone claiming to be "the police", saying you're involved in a crime
• Messages from a "hospital" saying a friend or relative was in an accident

If you encounter any of these, stay calm and verify the information before taking any action. When in doubt, call 110 to contact the local police for assistance.

5. Say no to drugs

Drug use and any drug-related activity, such as buying, using, transporting, or possessing, are illegal in China. This includes marijuana. Anyone involved in drugs will face legal penalties from the government and serious disciplinary action from the school, including the possibility of expulsion.

Source: Official WeChat account of Global Education Center of ECNU at "ecnugec"