Now that the chaos of formal recruitment and syllabus week are out of the way, the routine of the school year can finally begin. From tailgates to all-nighters at the library, to homecoming week, the semester is jam-packed with exciting events. Which event is most anticipated?--the date dash. 

An invitation to a date dash is the highest form of flattery that one can receive. Not only do date dashes give you a chance to finally talk to that guy you’ve been eyeing, they also give you a chance to relive your dress-up days. Whether you are new to Greek life and a first-time date-dash goer, or you are an upperclassman who just needs a refresher, here is a list of the do’s and don’ts of Greek life’s favorite event: the date dash.

• DO go all out with your costume.
  With themes from Disney to decades to the Great Fratsby, the opportunities for dress-up are endless when it comes to date dashes. The most important part of planning for a date dash, and the part that makes you stand out in a crowd of other eager date-dash goers, is a fabulous themed outfit (and a hot date with complementary attire). So pull out your rhinestones, scissors and hot glue gun and get creative! 
• DON’T be afraid to ask someone to be your date.
  Most guys would kill to attend your sorority’s date dash event! Don’t be afraid to ask that cute guy in your calculus class, the guy on your dorm hall, or the hot barista who always gives you free Starbucks. Date dashes are the perfect time to spark up a new flame or to finally get to know that guy you’ve been crushing on for the past few weeks. Even if there is no particular guy you are dying to ask, your friends may know lots of guys dying to attend the event who they would gladly set you up with! 
• DO create a criteria for your date.
  It never hurts to know ahead of time what you are looking for in a date. Picking out the perfect date can mean the difference between having a night that you’ll remember the rest of your college career and having a night full of tears, arguing, and potentially being sent home by your sorority’s sober sisters. Here are a few suggested criteria that we have found useful in the past. 
  Choose a date who is: 

1. Willing to dress up to theme (this means that he is easygoing, fun, and excited to be going to the event!) 
2. Willing to dance.
3. Not a sloppy/aggressive drunk (more on this to come).
4. Someone you won’t have to see every day if the night gets weird (let’s face it, college life is pretty unpredictable and you never know when a night might not go the way you’re expecting it to; it doesn’t hurt to ask someone to the event who you don’t have to necessarily see every day, just in case the night goes south). 
5. Will look cute in pictures (taking pictures in full-out costume is half the fun of date dashes, so make sure to pick someone who will look great next to you and will make all of your friends jealous!).

• DON’T pre-game too hard.
  Yes, we know that the pre-game is essentially the one element that sets a date dash apart from a high school dance (the sloppy grinding and throwback songs are oh-so reminiscent of our pre-college days). That being said, you should always exercise some self-control when it comes to pre-gaming. No doubt the pre-game takes the fun of date dashes to a whole new level, but you don’t want to be that girl--stumbling up to the house for check-in or puking over your date’s lap on the bus. Remember, when it comes to pre-gaming, moderation is key.
• DON’T go with an aggressive/sloppy drunk frat star.
  Let’s face it, we’ve all seen a few of these guys in our past date dash experiences. Not only did they threaten to beat up the security after being caught with a flask on their person, but they also felt the need to yell/push/argue/and fight with everyone and their date. Needless to say, this is not the type of guy you want as your date to one of these events as he will most likely ruin the night and get you both sent home by the sober sisters. 
• DO take advantage of the free food.
  From candy to chips to mini corn dogs to taquitos, date dashes always have the greasiest, yummiest snacks and there’s nothing that poor college students love more than free food. Somewhere between cramming into photo-booths, dancing to your favorite songs from the early 2000’s and taking over the DJ station, make sure to stop by the caterer’s table and check out the delicious and not-so nutritious snacks (it doesn’t hurt to shove a few tator tots in your purse for later either). 
• DON’T try to get into the bar if you are under 21.
  The bar at date dashes is a privilege for those upperclassmen who have waited years to be able to legally drink at a date dash event. Don’t be the underclassmen who tries to cheat the system - the seniors will drunkenly kick you out of the bar while everyone in the venue judges your brazenness. Wait your turn, it will make drinking at these events so much sweeter in the end. 
• DO have fun!
  Date dashes are a time to get creative, get silly, and let loose! Don’t stand in the corner or sit at a table the whole time with your date; get on the dance floor, socialize, and take advantage of all that the venue has to offer.