Let’s face it, your summer so far pales in comparison to the upcoming celebration to take place in Champaign on July 11th-12th.

Better than the Fourth of July, Greek Reunion is the talked about weekend among Greeks, and if you can’t make it, then you’re irrelevant for not requesting off work a year in advance. Whether you heard about it through the ridiculous stories of your fraternity brothers or sorority sisters or you were just simply invited to the Facebook event, you understand the excitement leading up to the Greek community reuniting in the stomping grounds of Champaign. In an effort to maximize fun and liver failure, I have compiled a bucket list full of must-do’s and sage advice from Greek Reunion veterans.

Party at Roland pool

Whether you got in to town early Friday morning or you are just trying to cure a hangover due to last night’s mistakes, Roland pool is the place to be when the sun comes out. Here you are free to bring your own alcohol (no glass) and free to be as obnoxious as you want, within reason. Go ahead and scream and freak out when your sister who you haven’t seen in months walks through the gate. If you’re a guy then do that thing that guys do when they see each other for the first time in a while…What is that exactly? The casual head nod? Fist bump? Well, hopefully your gender figures it out sooner or later.     

Find love at Red Lion

Now is the time to follow the wise words of Miss Suzannah Sparks. Maybe this takes the form of flirting with the hot frat star you’ve had your eye on all year but never had enough liquid courage to make a move until now. Or, maybe this takes the form of taking selfies with Red Lion’s very own Birdcage, the townie who carries around a wrestling belt and flaunts his moves on the dance floor. Either way when you’re playing the “see how many drinks you can get for free before someone catches on” game, you’ve already won.

Show everyone how hot and/or tan you’ve gotten this summer

You haven’t seen these people in about two months, which actually feels like two years. Ivana Trump says gorgeous hair is the best revenge, and she’s right. If you were looking for the chance to prove something to your fellow Greek community congratulations, you’ve been granted a weekend to do just that. Don’t forget to throw in a casual compliment every now and then in conversation, “OMG! Did you get highlights? They really bring out your tan!” When they reply with, “No, I just haven’t dyed my roots in a while…” you can probably just use that awkward silence as an opportunity to walk away and continue the search for free drinks.

Eat

Fat Sandwich has missed your business. But why stop there? So has Chipotle and Wingin’ Out and Maize and Insomnia…  

Stay up all night

There’s no sense in having a case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) when it’s so easily avoidable with a couple of Red Bulls and some 5-hour Energy. Watch the sun come up with your best friend on the porch of a guy you just met while playing drinking games and exchanging stories.

Go wherever the night takes you, and get into shenanigans with your friends

They always make for the best stories. Don’t forget to constantly take pictures and document your whole night via Snapchat story. Because if you don’t Snapchat it, did it really happen? But we all know the real question is, will you remember it?

Most importantly, stay alive and spend the next 364 days recovering. Hopefully you packed some Gatorades. And don’t forget to request off work for next year!