It is now the end of third week, and the weather is starting to lean towards winter. School is officially in full swing and with midterms and snowstorms approaching, navigating the University of Chicago can be somewhat daunting.

Though the Maroon does not pretend to be anyone’s parent, we think that some motherly advice could be helpful right about now, as the temperature drops, the common cold spreads, and work piles on.

• Wash your hands. This year, unlike in years past, the Student Care Center will not be giving out free flu shots due to a worldwide shortage resulting from contamination. Therefore, in order to stay healthy, it is important that students do basic things like wash their hands frequently with hot water and soap, take multi-vitamins, and drink lots of fluids.

• Look both ways before crossing the street. It is easy to forget this basic advice, especially in pedestrian- and student-friendly Hyde Park, but recent events have shown that not all cars are careful. Yesterday, a University student was hit by a car, the third one this school year. Please take the extra second to look for oncoming traffic.

• Make sure to take a break every once in a while. Though students spend hours everyday holed up in the Reg, it is not only healthy, but necessary to take a break. Make time to hang out with friends and spend time away from schoolwork—a great chance to do this is on Dean Boyer’s South Side bike ride this Sunday at 1 p.m.

The independence gained from going to college is a wonderful thing, but it is a good idea every once in a while to remember that basic motherly advice that got you through elementary, middle, and high school.