Over the past week or so, I’ve seen several posts here about hygiene on campus, and I wanted to add my experience. Since it’s reading week, this feels like a good time for a reminder before we’re all back in class.
We share classrooms, washrooms, and study spaces, so please be considerate of the people around you. Nobody is asking for expensive products or strong perfume. Showering regularly, wearing clean clothes, and using deodorant go a long way. Please give yourself enough time to get ready before class set that alarm a little earlier so you can shower AND catch your GO train.
It’s genuinely difficult to concentrate on a midterm when there’s strong BO coming from beside you. Some washroom stalls have also had an overwhelming fish-like smell. Whether that’s a facilities issue or something else, it makes those spaces unpleasant to use. And honestly, I’ve been around TMU Bold athletes who smell ten times fresher than some people sitting in lectures all day. Hockey, soccer, fencing, dance you’d expect people doing all that physical activity to be sweaty, yet somehow they’re still smelling better. The rest of us can make an effort too.
We won’t always know what someone is dealing with, but those of us who can take these steps should make the effort. This matters anywhere you share space with others, whether that’s classmates, roommates, or a partner.
Please, let’s do each other a favour and make campus more comfortable for everyone.
