Chilifest can be the best weekend of the year, or the worst. Hopefully, these tips will help you make the most of your weekend!

1. Go with a solid friend group.

Make sure to find a group of people that you trust. Go with your friends that will have your back. If they are notorious for leaving you hanging at Northgate or frat parties, don’t believe them when they say Chilifest will be different.

2. And STAY with them.

Don’t be the girl who wanders off from her friends and ends up all alone. The guy that you just followed will most likely ditch you when he finds his friends, and then you’ll be out of luck. If you’ve ever been to Chilifest, you know the site’s cell phone reception is less than stellar. Avoid separating from your friends at all costs, because who knows when you’ll find them again.

3. Invest in a fanny pack.

If you haven’t already bought this blast from the past, you should. Purses are set down and easily lost/taken. Going pocket route can be dangerous too. The fanny pack ensures you have all the essential items on your person, and keeps both hands free for drinks (if you’re 21 or over of course).

4. Bring a portable charger.

Like I said before, cell phone reception is spotty at best out there. Your phone battery will drain fast as you try to send snaps, call your ride, and meet up with that frat boy from tinder you promised to find. Make sure to charge your phone and portable charger to 100% to ensure maximum Snapchat potential is reached.

5. Pack your own toilet paper.

Port-a-potties. They run out every year, just save yourself the trouble and bring your own.

6. Water, water, and more water.

It’s hot, it’s crowded, and you’re marathon drinking. Try and not be the girl that passes out from dehydration, or gets alcohol poisoning because you weren’t drinking water. Obviously, the best way to stay safe is to avoid alcohol altogether, but if you choose to drink, please do it safely.

7. Know where the paramedic tent is located.

Before you start drinking, locate the nearest paramedic tent to your build. It might also be helpful to make this your meeting place for your friends. Also if you or someone you know is showing signs of alcohol poisoning take them straight to the paramedics. Even if yourself or your friend are under 21, going to the paramedics will give you amnesty from the cops. Please don’t be afraid to go to them, better safe than sorry.

8. Have a plan on how you are getting home.

At the end of the night, you’re most likely not going to be able to drive. You might have lost your friends. You’re probably not going to have cell phone service. There will be a huge number of people attempting to get home, make sure you have a plan to avoid getting lost in the shuffle.

9. Use common sense.

It is easy to get overwhelmed and make bad choices. Everyone around you is going crazy and if you’re not careful it is easy to get caught up in that. Don’t let your common sense disappear just because it seems that everyone else’s has.

10. Be safe by being smart.

Honestly just don’t be dumb, and you’ll survive this hectic weekend!