Your first weekend at Ohio State can be overwhelming. You may be wondering where are the parties at? Who should I go with? Should I even go to a party? Should I already have a fake I.D.? Do people go to the welcome week concert? Well thankfully your questions have been answered. Here is a list of tips to help you survive welcome weekend at Ohio State.
1. Go out with your roommates
Going out to your first party as a college student can be a little scary, so the best way to get through that is to go out with your roommates. It is a great way to get to know the people you will be living with for the next 9 months and make socializing less intimidating.
2. Don't bring a backpack full of alcohol
Please, please, please do not be that person that shows up with a bag full of alcohol at the party. It may seem convenient at the time, but everyone will for sure know this is your first rodeo.
3. Lane Avenue
If you and your roommates are wondering where the best place is to find parties, then go to Lane Avenue. Almost every house up and down the street has some sort of party going on and there will be at least one that welcome you with open arms. Boys, be prepared to pay a cover charge at the doorstep because not every party is a free for all unfortunately. Girls, you probably won't have to pay a dime.
4. Don't pretend like you have drank before if you haven't
Not every freshman has come into college with high school drinking experience, and it may be tempting to pretend that you have to impress your new friends. Don't. There is nothing wrong with be inexperienced in binge drinking. Be honest with your friends, and the one that are worth keeping will make sure that your first experience doesn't end in a shit show,
5. Be smart
Over the years, your parents and teacher have drilled "drinking rules" into your head. "Don't take an opened drink from someone you don't know." "Don't leave tour drink sitting around." "Don't go off by yourself." FOLLOW THESE RULES. It may seem like common sense, but in the moment you may forget one of these rules, and it could end badly. Just be smart, and your weekend should go smoothly.
6. Don't go to a house that has a "Daughter Daycare" sign
Just don't.
7. Be careful at the bars
Chances are, none of you are 21, so if you are getting into a bar, it's with a fake I.D. Police officers know this a big weekend for drinking, os they will be out looking for under-agers, so just be cautious.
8. It's okay if you don't have a fake I.D.
Don't feel bad if some of your roommates have a fake I.D. You don't need one if you don't want one. Down the road you may decide that you would like to go to the campus bars, but don't feel pressured to get one if you are not comfortable with it. Getting caught with one can get you in a lot of trouble, but they are definitely convenient to have.
9. Go to the welcome weekend concert
Even though the headline for the concert may seem lame, it is another fun activity to get to know your roommates. It gives you guys a chance to get out and and take a long walk to the Schott. The concert is free to all students so take advantage of the opportunity. You basically pay for the concert in your school fees anyway, so you might as well go.
10. Take advantage of the weekend
This is your last weekend of freedom before the bliss of syllabus week is over and the real work begins. Have fun and go out with your friends, or if you don't like to drink, stay in and get to know the people living on your floor. Remember that everyone is in the same boat as you. If you do decide to drink, don't drink yourself into a coma. It is not a good way to make a first impression with your roommates.
