Winter semester officially ends at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday Dec. 16, so students who live on and off campus should start wrapping up last details before leaving town for the month.

Students on campus have quite a list to complete before they can leave for the semester.

“They have to do a full clean of their rooms,” said Becky Foglesong, Van Antwerp resident adviser. “Wash the bathroom down, including the shower, turn the heat on three, defrost the fridge, turn in their intention form, and take their fish to a friend or check and see if the RA over break will watch it.”

It’s important that students complete all of these tasks, because if they do not, they could be held back from leaving at the time that they signed up for, and if they do an improper check out they can face fines.

These rules are in place for the students to get out of the dorms in an orderly manner, as well as to protect students from loss of their time and valuables.

“Lock up your room,” said Public Safety Officer Don Peterman. “Don’t leave behind cash, jewelry or electronics. The room is locked, but there are maintenance checks.

“When you leave, make sure to communicate with your roommate to make sure everything is locked up and accounted for. If you must leave behind a valuable, take a picture of it, and list the make, model, color and serial number. If your property comes missing, the only way that we can help is if we know exactly what was stolen.”

It is important to note that Northern usually doesn’t have a problem with theft, but it is important to be smart and protect yourself from becoming a victim. All of these tips can be used on and off campus as well.

“Don’t leave your stuff in your car and in plain sight,” Peterman said. “How secure is your residence? Maybe have a small safe to put your valuables in if you can. Close the blinds in your house because what people see is what they want. Out of sight, out of mind.”

While securing your residence should be a top priority, making sure you leave your place clean should also be considered.

“Before I leave town I’m going to make sure the house is cleaned,” said senior Emily Brazil. “ I will make sure to close the blinds, check the mail and take all the food out of the refrigerator and throw all garbage out. I’m also having a friend watch my apartment and check my mail.”

As important as the safety of your valuables is, your safety on the road is a lot more important.

“If you stop to shop or get gas, make sure that you lock your door. Also, if your car is full and you have to stop, try to park somewhere you can see your car. Check the maintenance of your car before leaving town so that the chance of breaking down is minimized,” Peterman said.