I have four semesters of college completed (which make sense since I did just finish my sophomore year) but in every single semester at school, I have attended a fraternity formal. After much experience (good and bad) and countless hours getting ready, packing, and then reliving it to my friends when I returned to campus, I think I finally figured out how to not only survive, but thrive at a frat formal.

1. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

A good friend of mine loves saying this at formal. In fact, I debated making him a shirt that says that for his birthday. But he is right. You get to the hotel Friday evening, you don’t want to be burned out and too tired to continue the party by Friday night.

2. Eat

I know this seems like common sense, but when your day is filled with non-stop actions, things like food tend to be forgotten. Stopping every few hours for a bag of chips and some water will save you. Literally.

3. Sleep

Again, seems like a no-brainer, but with everyone all together, you will find the crew “party all night” literally. Catching a few z's is worth the #fomo, trust me.

4. Bring back ups of the important things.

At one formal I went to someone stole one of my flip flops. Just one. Still bitter if you can’t tell. Anyway, the only other shoes I had were my heels, so guess who wasn’t able to go into the dining room the rest of the time we were there? I had to send my friends to smuggle food for me.

5. Don’t stress.

Formals are about celebrating the semester with the friends you have made. Enjoy the company, enjoy the weekend get away, but most importantly, enjoy the formal itself!