Off-campus Student Services Newsletter: November 2024

A UAlbany cheerleader waves her pom-poms while hoisted in the air at a football game in Casey Stadium.

Learn more about Off-campus Student Services.

 

On-campus Events

Check out all the great events happening on campus on MyInvolvement.

  • 8 to 10 p.m. November 1, 2024: Late Night in the GDU - various locations in Campus Center West
  • 2 p.m. November 1, 2024: UAlbany Women’s Field Hockey versus Vermont - Alumni Turf  
  • 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. November 1, 2024: Film Screening: On the Waterfront - Downtown Campus, Page Hall
  • 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. November 1, 2024: Jewelry Making - CC Bean
  • 1 p.m. November 2, 2024: UAlbany Football versus New Hampshire - Casey Stadium  
  • 4:30 to 6 p.m. November 4, 2024: Stonewall Riots and More! With Jamaica Miles - Assembly Hall
  • 6 to 8 p.m. November 4, 2024: Tabletop Game Night - University Library, Minerva Room
  • 7 p.m. November 5, 2024: UAlbany Men’s Soccer versus Bryant - Casey Stadium  
  • 7:30 to 9 p.m. November 6, 2024: Game Night - Women’s Resource Center, CC B84C
  • 6 to 8 p.m. November 7, 2024: Karaoke Night - Women’s Resource Center, CC B84C
  • 6 p.m. November ,8 2024: UAlbany Women’s Volleyball versus NJIT - PE Gym  
  • 7 p.m. November 8, 2024: UAlbany Women’s Basketball versus Rhode Island - Broadview Center
  • 7 p.m. November 9, 2024: UAlbany Men’s Basketball versus Oneonta - Broadview Center  
  • 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. November 10, 2024: Cars and Cans Car Show - State Quad Commuter Lot
  • 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. November 15, 2024: WRC Movie Night - Women’s Resource Center, CC B84C
  • 2 p.m. November 16, 2024: UAlbany Women’s Basketball versus Sacred Heart -Broadview Center  
  • 7 p.m. November 16, 2024: UAlbany Men’s Basketball versus Siena - Broadview Center 
  • 4:30 to 6 p.m. November 18, 2024: LGBTQIA+ and Health/Care in the U.S. with Q Diamond  - Multi-purpose room, Campus Center
  • 1 p.m. November 23, 2024: UAlbany Football versus Hampton - Casey Stadium 
  • 7 p.m. November 23, 2024: UAlbany Women’s Basketball versus Cornell - Broadview Center
  • 2 p.m. November 27, 2024: UAlbany Women’s Basketball versus RPI - Broadview Center  

 

The UAlbany carillon tower lit up with purple lights and the Academic Podium buildings lit up with white lights at night.

 

Off-campus Events

 

The UAlbany carillon tower is seen through snowy branches on a winter day.

 

Beating the Winter Blues

As the days get shorter, seasonal depression may be more prevalent. Use these tips to beat the winter blues:

  • Try to stay on a regular sleep schedule and aim for at least eight hours of sleep nightly.
  • Engage in outdoor activities, if the weather permits it, and try to get as much fresh air as possible.
  • Engage in physical activities. Exercise can not only have positive physical effects, but positive mental ones also. Visit the Recreation & Wellness website for campus exercise opportunities, including fitness centers, group exercise classes, intramural and club sports, and more.
  • Don't be afraid to talk to someone! Take advantage of Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS).
  • Eating a healthy well-balanced diet is key to keeping your body fueled with necessary vitamins you may be missing from being inside more.
  • Make plans with friends and get involved with events and groups on campus. Just because it is cold outside doesn't mean you can't socialize to keep yourself entertained and engaged.

 

Three sliced pumpkin pies in aluminum tins. One pie is nearly eaten and another is partially eaten.

 

How to keep your house safe while on vacation 

  • The Albany Police Department (APD) offers Vacation Checks. This notifies APD that no one is living in the residence for a specific period. During this time, officers will pay extra attention to your dwelling. If they see something wrong or suspicious during their rounds, they will investigate it.
  • Lock all doors and windows when you leave. Close all your curtains and put in security sticks at windows to prevent anyone from being able to pry windows open.
  • To save on utilities, turn off all your lights before you leave. Unplug any non-essential appliances in your apartment (TVs, game consoles, computers, etc.). 
  • If possible, consider investing in a light you can control remotely, or buy a light timer that will turn a light on and off at designated times during the day. Creating the illusion of someone being home may help prevent burglaries.
  • If you get anxious about leaving appliances on, take pictures of them turned off before you leave.
  • If possible, ask a trusted neighbor to get your mail/packages. Ideally, ask the Post Office to hold your mail delivery. This not only keeps your mail safe but prevents a buildup of mail, which can indicate an empty apartment.
  • Security systems don't have to be elaborate. Talk with your landlord about getting a Ring camera or similar security device.
  • If you are leaving pets behind, ensure someone like a trusted friend or family member checks on them daily.
  • Some banks flag cards for fraud if they are used in unfamiliar locations. Check your bank’s policies and alert them of your trip so they don't lock your card.
  • Be mindful about posting your vacation plans on social media. Burglars may use that information. 

 

One person's hand holding a black cell phone and the other person's hand poised over the screen.

 

Avoiding Fraud

  • Be extremely cautious when clicking links on social media or in emails. Make sure you know the sender; but even if you know them, confirm that they have not been hacked. Do not click on links you're unsure about, even links in PDF files.
  • Be vigilant if your friends ask you for money via social media or instant messaging. Confirm with them in person; their account may have been hacked.
  • Be vigilant for phishing emails; a common one is the shipping status of a package you ordered.
  • Watch out for skimmers on ATMs; they are usually over the card reader.
  • Be mindful of which websites you store credit card information on. Ensure these sites are reputable. If the URL starts with http, instead of https, do not store information on it. Note: URLs starting with https are more secure but not immune from fraud.
  • Set up notifications on your phone whenever your credit/debit card is used so you know if someone else is using it.
  • If you lose your credit card, most financial institutions allow you to freeze the card via the app. Once frozen, call your institution for the next steps.
  • Scammers commonly use AI in their calls now; be vigilant and follow up with the person in question instead believing the call.
  • Be careful when using online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or Craig’s List. If you opt to use one of these sites, meet the other party in a public space and bring a friend with you, if possible, to ensure safety. The Albany Police Department recommends and offers the use of the lobbies at their stations to ensure everyone’s safety during a transaction.
  • Don't share any identifiable personal information, such as licenses, credit cards, etc., in social media posts.