Back 2 College: Campus Vaping Etiquette
Back in 2016, we put together a few etiquette tips for college students of legal age who vape. The legal age has changed since then, and federal law now sets it at 21, but the basics still apply: know the rules, respect the people around you and handle your gear with care.
Short version: These tips are for students who are 21 or older. Many colleges ban smoking and vaping everywhere on their property, and if yours does, don’t vape on campus at all.
1. Know your campus rules
Hundreds of colleges have gone tobacco-free, and many of those policies cover e-cigarettes too. Look up your college’s policy before the semester starts. If vaping isn’t allowed on campus, leave campus and find a place where it is allowed.
2. Carry your gear with care
Lock or switch off your device when you’re not using it, and engage the locking ring if you use a mechanical mod. Never carry loose batteries in a bag or pocket, where keys and coins can short them; use a battery case. Our battery safety guide explains why.
3. Keep it out of dorms and student housing
Even if your roommate vapes too, don’t vape in your room or anywhere indoors in student housing. Step outside, and off campus if the rules require it.
4. Use designated areas where they exist
Some campuses still have designated smoking areas, and many apply the same rules to vaping. If yours allows vaping there, use those spots so people who don’t want vapor in their face aren’t bothered.
5. Never vape in class
Classrooms, libraries and labs are off limits, full stop. Discretion means choosing the right time and place, not trying to hide it. One person breaking the rules can lead to a crackdown for everyone.
6. Build within your limits
If you build your own coils, don’t push extreme low-resistance builds, especially around other people. Stay within your battery’s limits and your own experience; our guide to ohms and sub-ohm vaping covers the basics.
Where things stand now
Federal law has set the minimum age for all tobacco and vaping products at 21 since December 2019, and campus policies and local laws keep changing. Check your college’s current policy and your city’s rules, and read our broader guide to vaping etiquette.
WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. For adults 21+ only.