Are Pokemon pursuing post-secondary studies at one of Ontario’s top colleges? The answer seems to be yes based on the hum of activity around campus at Durham College (DC) since the launch of Pokemon Go earlier this month.

The augmented reality game’s virtual animated creatures are invading DC with players (or trainers as they are known) flooding the Oshawa and Whitby campuses and Pickering Learning Site in an effort to catch ‘em all.

Pokemon Go and its trainers are great additions to DC’s vibrant campus, where classes and programming, summer camps and more are still underway throughout the summer.

While searching far and wide at DC to be the very best, trainers should be mindful of campus grounds and activities and be sure to look up from their phones (cue necessary safety tip here about the importance of stopping when pursuing Pikachu to avoid running into an obstacle while distracted!) to check out their surroundings and see for themselves why DC is the post-secondary destination of choice for students in Durham Region and well beyond.

DC’s Office of Campus Safety is also offering tips to help trainers stay safe while playing. These include:

• Put down mobile devices while crossing the street.
• Never trespass, enter restricted areas or break laws in an attempt to catch a Pokemon.
• Avoid potentially dangerous places and situations, such as current construction around campus.
• Team up with other players and travel in groups when possible, especially at night.
• Continue to respect the college’s campus and community and avoid behaviour that disrupts day-to-day operations at DC.
• Remember Campus Security are monitoring the college grounds 24-7 and should be contacted immediately regarding any health or safety concerns.

So, Pokemon trainers, collect your stardust, Pokecoins and candy; battle (virtually) to your heart’s content; and if you’re interested in taking your gaming skills to the next level, be sure to check out DC’s gaming and app-related programs, including Animation, Game Development, and Interactive Media Design through the School of Media, Art & Design, and Computer Programmer through the School of Business, IT & Management – applications for these programs are still being accepted for a September start.