It's time to go back to school, and I know everyone is just as excited as I am. Getting to see your friends again, going to football games, eating dining hall food (HA); there's so much to look forward to! But, let's be honest, we're all most excited for weekend social events. House parties are the easiest and most accessible form of entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, and everyone goes to at least one during their time at college. As safe as it may seem to go to a party among your schoolmates, there's always caution that needs to be taken. Here are just 10 ideas that may help you keep safe these next few years of partying.
1. Travel in groups.
Never show up to a party alone, or even with just one girlfriend. Especially if you have to walk a decent distance to get to the party, it's always best to travel and arrive as a bunch. As sad as it sounds, it's best to have at least one guy in your posse, as well. For my particular school, we're not walking through the best neighborhoods to get to these house parties. Having a guy or two will definitely help keep the creeps away.
2. Keep your friends/roommates in the loop.
Tell a friend, roommate, boyfriend, parent, or anyone for that matter who isn't going with you to the party the details of where you'll be going and who with. If something happens, like you lose your group or your phone battery dies, it's best that someone on the outside is there to help if necessary.
3. Have a charged phone.
It's important, I promise. As many pictures that you'll want to take with your squad before going out, and as many Twitter posts you'll want to make, save your battery!!! There's nothing worse than being out and watching your phone screen turn to black. It's not fun and, most importantly, it's not safe! If you need to catch an Uber back to your dorm, or for some reason need to call campus security for an emergency, you're screwed. Another point: Have your campus security's number saved in your phone. You never know when it'll come in handy.
4. Have a meeting place.
It's super easy to lose your friends in a townhouse packed with 100 people. Create a meeting place in case it happens. "Hey, if you can't find me, meet at Papa Johns on the corner." You may not end up needing to, but it's a good plan to have just in case.
5. Beware of your cup.
The hosts of house parties tend to hand out red Solo Cups, but there's danger in that. When you're partying and socializing, your eyes aren't going to be glued to what's happening to your cup. Date rape drugs are real and exist; they're not just an idea made up for movies, I can tell you that. As nerdy as you think you might look, bring a reusable tumbler cup with a lid that you already own. You'll be glad you did it.
6. Don't be afraid to call a cab home.
Once again, if you have a far walk back to campus and it's 2 a.m., it's probably not the greatest idea to make that walk. Especially if you've lost your group, or they didn't want to leave the party yet, call that Uber. The $5 will be worth it.
7. Dress appropriately
I don't mean have your shorts below fingertip length and no tube tops. I mean check the weather forecast. It's possible for your cab driver to get pulled over and arrested, and you'll have to walk the rest of the way home through the snow in a mini skirt and stilettos. Yes, that happened to me. I appreciate your condolences.
8. Know your limits.
It's so easy to be peer-pressured and pushed to do things that you're not ready or comfortable doing. Know how to say no, or find ways around it. It's easy to hold a drink without actually drinking it, trust me. Fool's gold.
9. Don't keep quiet.
If you see something wrong happening, or are just getting bad vibes from someone or something-- speak up. You'll feel bad if you don't. Tell a friend that you found an even better party and get yourself out of bad situations. Your friends will understand.
10. Have fun.
It's easy to get carried away in all the madness. Stay true to yourself and have a fun, safe, and responsible year!
