1. Having no food.
If I'm being honest, most fraternity boys aren't the greatest at planning and organizing. They're so excited for the weekend ahead, food is the last thing on their minds. Where the weekend's meals are coming from is completely unknown. Some people think it's every man for himself, others think someone will buy it all and everyone will chip in when they get there. Rarely is it discussed beforehand. This typically ends in couples snacking on Hot Pockets and frozen pizzas all weekend or having to work out all the grocery trips and splitting checks. There is nothing smooth or efficient about it.
2. Consequently buying way too much food.
Because partying and planning don't usually go hand in hand, buying too much food is another common mishap. A few members will take it upon themselves to buy food, usually on separate occasions. This ends not only in people not paying or getting left out, but in piles of leftover hamburger buns, condiments, egg cartons and bacon—things that obviously can't be salvaged. Another factor adding to the excess of food at the end of the weekend is the fact that you'll inevitably end up going out to eat for at least one meal, if not two (depending on whether you call in that late night pizza or make it to a waffle house in the morning).
3. Sleeping arrangements.
Once you arrive at the location of your formal you will most likely be surprised and disappointed to find that you're stuck on a crappy futon or couch in a room with two other couples.
4. Getting no sleep.
Because the house has exceeded maximum capacity and half the house will stay up blasting music all night long, I can almost guarantee that you won't be getting more than five hours of sleep a night.
5. Bad weather.
Most of time, formal is located at a beach. Half of the fun is getting to lay out during the day and hang with your friends. Unfortunately, the weather can put a damper on things if it's too cold or too rainy.
6. Sunburn.
If it is nice out or you try to brave the overcast weather, you're pale, pre-summer skin will get burnt and you will look and feel like a miserable lobster for pictures and the remainder of the night.
7. Someone always goes too hard.
There's always those few guys or girls in the house that go way too hard and have to be taken care of. Whether they get injured from being reckless or have too much to drink, they're going to need some assistance.
8. No privacy.
We've established how unfortunate squeezing over 20 college students into a four-bedroom house is when it comes to sleeping arrangements. In addition, it's nearly impossible to find any time to yourself. Even getting a chance to shower in the bathroom is a rare occasion. Then, add 10 girls cramming into two bathrooms to get all dolled up and ready for formal. It just doesn't end well. You can count on having no alone time and sharing everything all weekend long.
9. Dance malfunctions.
Once you finally make it to the dance, something will go wrong. Whether your dress is too long and it gets stepped on all night, you leave your phone on the bus or your date loses his cummerbund, there's going to be something damaged or left behind.
10. Having to pay the safety deposit.
At the end of the weekend, as everyone packs up and cleans the house from top to bottom, you realize how many things have been broken or damaged. As soon as the landlord comes through to check the house, you'll be forced to pay the safety deposit that your broke college budget simply can't afford.
Despite all the mishaps and series of unfortunate events you had all weekend, you'll never forget all of the inside jokes, new friends and hilarious moments. All it takes to have a great time is to simply go with the flow, enjoy the company of one another and allow yourself to have a good time.
Your weekend may not include all of the scenarios mentioned above, but they are sure to include a version of these adverse situations. In the end, if you go in with an open mind and a positive attitude, you're sure to make some amazing memories.
