Your familiar iPhone ring tone blares. You roll over, attempt to hit the snooze button, and accidentally pull the entire charger cord out of the wall. You shift your pillow over, reset your alarm, and attempt to doze back off.

Wait, what? It’s Saturday! You quickly realize from the sound of your roommates JamBox that you are the last one awake, and you literally leap out of bed. Still pretty sluggish, you peer into the hallway, noting your sorority sister’s outfits, and you shower and prepare yours. It’s definitely 8AM, but starting early never hurt, right?    

Wrong.

As great as cracking open a Busch Light at the crack of dawn sounds, it won’t sound good when you are unable to do the same as the sun sets. There are safe ways to handle your gameday, and they still allow you to be unpredictable.    

A better beginning to your day: Wake up at a decent time. The game is at 2:30? Sleep in until 9AM, enjoy a filling breakfast at The Egg & I, and stroll to your first tailgate around 11AM. You are still giving yourself a few hours to drink, and you will arrive at the game in time to avoid the archways of East Stadium.    

Where to go to enjoy safe drinking? Kidding, there is no “safe” drinking. Containment and measurement, however, can help. If you are 21, begin or end your tailgating session at The Railyard. Enjoy classier beverages, appropriately poured portions, and maybe even a “Jungle Juice” slush drink (I highly recommend it).    

When you decide to venture to your younger Greek friends tailgates, contemplate how you are drinking. Do an ice luge. Schnapps are semi-classy, right? Do not use two cups. You’re 21, you aren’t that cool. Create an appropriately mixed drink, filled with our still-loved Barton’s and low-cal Sprite or Lemonade. Occasionally, tailgates will now include Hawiian Punch or Orange Juice (it helps, right?).    

By the time you arrive at the game, you will not be falling over, you will have enjoyed yourself, and you will have taken a few pictures you’ll remember. You will even be conscious enough to Instagram pre-kickoff.   

Let the student section cheer, the Huskers play, and end your night on “O” Street! Drinking in consideration, not necessarily moderation, is the mature way to go. Cheers!