Hygiene Habits and Norms

For most freshmen, coming to LU means leaving home to live on your own for the very first time. Back home, you might have had a strict upbringing, a lackadaisical one, or maybe no one checking on you at all. But now that you are transitioning into adulthood, your personal hygiene is your sole responsibility. Good hygiene does not just change how people perceive you; it completely elevates your own mood, keeps your surroundings fresh, and guarantees your social life will be favorable. Nobody wants to be the person known on the yard for the wrong reasons, especially like bad hygiene. Before you step outside your door, make sure you have locked in these daily habits.

Head-to-Toe Refresh

First things first, please take a shower. I cannot stress this enough, aim for at least two a day. When you wash, make sure you hit all the major areas, and do not forget the folds and crevices. Pay attention to the spots people forget, like behind your ears and under your neck. These hidden areas trap natural oils and dirt, leaving an unpleasant odor if they are ignored. Use a dedicated face wash for your face. Stray away from using the exact same bar of soap on your face that you use on your body; your facial skin is much more sensitive. Also, try using clean hands instead of a rough towel to wash your face. When it comes to dental hygiene, brush your teeth, floss, and actively scrub your tongue.

Moisturize your hair, scalp, and entire body to avoid dry skin and dandruff. No one wants to walk out on the yard looking ashy. Personally, I swear by coconut oil and shea butter, but if standard lotion is all you have, just use that!

 Always put on fresh, clean undergarments and socks every single day. No recycling clothes from the hamper. For a special touch, spray on nice scent to add som personality to your look. Not too overbearing please, no one needs to smell the whole Sephora inventory as you walk past. Remember the pressure points; two on the wrists, two being the ears, two on the neck. 

Dorm Maintenance and Random Inspections

Before you leave for class, do a quick scan of your room. Make your bed every single time you wake up or take a nap. Pick your clothes up off the floor, hang them up, or fold them neatly into bins.

Let us keep it real: if you are hosting kickbacks or engaging in behaviors that involve prohibited items, clean up after yourselves at once. Encourage and help your friends in picking up all the trash, especially getting rid of any empty libations and substances. Never leave trash bags sitting in your room; take them out to the dumpster whenever you walk outside. Harboring trash inside brings unwanted insects, roaches, and even rodents into your living space. Furthermore, you never know when the RAs are going to perform a random housing inspection. If they find empty alcohol bottles or cigar wrappers in your trash, you will face hefty fines. Protect your pockets and your peace.

Cafeteria Etiquette

The cafeteria is one of the most popular spaces on campus to socialize, eat, study, and attend events. But ask yourself: every time you walk into the cafe, do you head straight for the buffet line, or do you pivot to the restroom to wash your hands? Many of us are guilty of rushing the line but let us make a collective effort to wash up first.

While you are in the restroom, do a quick spot check in the mirror. Ensure there is nothing in your eyes, nose, or teeth. Take a swig of mouthwash, pop a mint, or chew a piece of gum. When we get out on the cafe floor, we are going to be right in each other’s faces talking, and it is incredibly painful to realize your breath is not fresh or you have food stuck in your teeth.

Once you have finished eating your plates and drinks, remember we do not have maids or waiters on campus. Pick up your trash and place your plates in the designated bins. Take it a step further and gently wipe your food crumbs off the table when you are leaving out of respect for the next person looking to sit there.

Public Restroom Rules

Sometimes I walk into a campus bathroom and want to turn right back around because of the sight and the smell. Y’all, please flush the toilet or urinal after every use. It is disgusting to leave waste settling there.

I know the flush handles can be dirty, but you do not have to touch them directly. Wrap a piece of tissue around your hand to pull the lever or do what I do and use the sole of your shoe to press it down. And absolutely do not leave the restroom without washing your hands. You would be surprised how many people are out here giving hugs and daps on the yard when their hands have not touched water or soap all day.

This guide is not meant to bash anyone; but to ensure everyone feels safe, secure, and healthy on campus. A huge part of the campus colds, coughs, and sore throats spread simply because of poor hygiene during human contact. Let us look out for one another and keep each other accountable.

Additionally, stay observant. If you notice a peer is not keeping up with their hygiene and their mood seems noticeably low, it might be a sign of a deeper issue, like a mental health roller coaster or depression. Gently look out for them and encourage them to use the university’s counseling services. 

Finally, keep your eyes open for campus organization events and health fairs. They often hand out hygiene supplies and upkeep kits entirely for free. Take care of yourself, respect your peers, and let us keep the campus clean!