After a semester of listening to friends' experiences along with having a few of my own, there are a few things that all college students should know when it comes to parties. We may think we are smart since we are in a higher level of education, however, sometimes we can be oblivious to the obvious. Make sure to take in these considerations before your next Thirsty Thursday on campus.

1. Eat dinner before you leave.

Going to a party with an empty stomach is a terrible idea. When you have eaten, it helps slow the absorption of the alcohol so it does not hit your system as quickly. If you did not eat before drinking, make sure to limit yourself to avoid too high of an intoxication.

2.Go with at least one solid friend.

It is extremely important to go with a friend who is going to account for you. Make sure to let him/her know your boundaries and drinking limits ahead of time. Help each other out throughout the night. Travel together and always have each other in sight.

3. Get the DD number.

There is nothing more irresponsible than driving yourself to a party you plan to consume alcohol at. In college, there is normally a DD number, so do your best to get that information ahead of time. If there is not a designated driver, suck it up and call an Uber.

4. Make/open your own drink.

The classic move of taking pulls from a bottle and chaser that everyone else is using is another bad move. There are normally options for drinks, so be sure to take advantage of those. Another side note is to be cautious not to leave your drink unattended.

5. Download a safety app.

There are many apps that can be useful if walking throughout the night. Whether it is walking to a different party nearby or walking back to campus, use an app for safety precautions. A few popular ones are: Stay Safe, Guardly, or bSafe.