Spring formal season is upon us, and I don't know how it works for other schools but around here, it means a weekend at the lake crammed in cabins with your sorority or fraternity and a lot of alcohol. It can be the best weekend of the year, but it can also turn south pretty quickly if you don't come prepared. Here's what three formal experiences have taught me is important to know to survive formal weekend.

1. Have a selection of alcohol.

I'm not saying you have to have to get drunk to have a good time, but if everyone else is trashed, you might find yourself wanting at least a little something to sip on. People usually take a wide variety in case they get tired of one drink, but be careful mixing all your alcohol. That's a good way to feel like hell on day two.

2. Bring a case of water.

It will cross your mind while you're buying food and drinks for the weekend that, "I won't need any water, my alcohol is more than enough to drink!" Don't be fooled by this voice in your head. At some point in the weekend, you will want water. Whether it's because you're incredibly hungover or because you don't want vodka with your Pop-Tarts in the morning, you will want water. So just buy it. It's a small dent in your wallet compared to all the alcohol you're also buying.

3. Buy some munchies.

We all know how dangerous drinking on an empty stomach can be, so be sure to pack along some of your favorite foods. And not just the grilling variety, take snacks too because it's almost guaranteed that you'll want Pizza Rolls and Zebra Cakes at 1 AM.

4. Take ibuprofen.

You know what a hangover feels like, and this is likely to be one of the worst. So save yourself the headache (haha,) and take some Advil.

5. Wear comfortable shoes.

I know everyone wants to looks as great as possible when it comes to dressing up, but I'm a firm believer in making sure you can walk in those cute shoes. Especially if you're drunk before dinner! Trust me, falling in a dress will put a damper on your outfit and your evening.

6. Find a place to stash your stuff.

If you leave food out, other people will eat it. If you leave your stuff out, it will get moved and possibly lost. If you value what you're bringing with you, find a place to put it where other people won't wander across it.

7. Put on sunscreen.

If you're lucky enough to have a weekend of nice weather, don't let a crazy sunburn ruin it. Or the super cute outfit we were talking about earlier. It takes like three seconds to apply sunscreen, so it's totally worth it.

8. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.

9. Ask a date who won't cause problems.

The person who starts fights or creates drama probably isn't the best choice. Neither is someone who will tear stuff up or make a mess, leaving you responsible for it. Ask someone who will help you have a good time, whether that's a boyfriend or girlfriend or best friend from home. The best date makes all the difference.

10. Help out your friends.

Some of them will be annoying drunks, but they're still your friends, so take care of them. Keep them upright, don't let them drunk text their ex, make sure they find a toilet or a trashcan if they're getting sick and force water down their throats if you have to. This might even extend to needing a first aid kit to tend to their drunken wounds. They'll think they are fine, and you will know better.

11. Have fun!

No matter what crazy things formal might throw your way, always rally back. These experiences don't come around every day, and you wouldn't want to remember it as anything less than great!