It’s every college student’s favorite time of year (and no, we're not talking about Spring Break)! So show some school pride, stock up on booze before CVS runs out and make a game plan so you don’t pass out before noon. Seniors, this is your shining moment and one of your last celebrations before entering the adult world - don’t waste it. As esteemed alumni, we’re here to help; here’s how to survive homecoming:
1. Set your alarm for 4 a.m.
Not a morning person? Well you are today! Nothing starts your homecoming off right more than a morning mimosa and your house shaking with the bass of a vulgar rap song. If you skip out and get up at a normal hour, you’ll be hours behind your friends… and we all know catching up is never fun.
2. Eat a BIG breakfast (it’ll probably be your only meal)
Think of hoco as a marathon: you’ve gotta carb load to power through. Since your focus will be drinking, drinking and more drinking, some basic needs might slip through the cracks (like food). Host a big breakfast/potluck with your friends so you can pig out together without having to dish out a lot of money.
3. Take advantage of any bars opening early
If your school is a pretty big deal in your city, chances are some bars open hella early just for YOU. Bar hopping with your senior class is a definite highlight of the day: you’ll be hugging your freshman roommate who you never talk to anymore or meeting new people that you never knew were in your class.
4. Snap those pictures early
Before the fireball sets in, get those group pictures. Who knows where your friends will be hours from now? Plus, it’d be nice to have at least one decent picture to post on Instagram before your phone gets broken, lost, dies, etc. (or you end up looking like Seth Rogan in a dress - yikes).
5. Load up your fanny pack with snacks
Between house parties, finding your friends, watching the parade, losing your friends (and then finding them again), homecoming is a hot mess. Pretty soon it’s 1 p.m. and you’re starving. Good thing you packed those snacks! Homecoming is one of the only acceptable times to show them off your fanny pack in public, so pack it wisely! Power bars, Pop-Tarts and granola bars are the perfect go-to munchies to keep your energy up, balance out the drinks and feed your hangry friends.
6. Show up at the football stadium
….so you can say you participated in at least one homecoming activity! Since it’s technically the main event, show some school pride and root on your team (even if you don’t remember it or still don’t understand football).
7. Pull out the shades for when you hit the 'not-so-sober' stage
Nothing is more embarrassing than running into a professor or alumn (who has potential job connections) when you can barely see straight. If you’re in this sticky situation, your sunglasses act as a physical barrier to your drunkenness and can at least help you save face. Good luck!
8. Have a playlist ready
Spontaneous dance parties are a given so make sure to have your Spotify playlist up and ready to go.
9. Take a much-needed power nap
Whether you mean to or not, you will nap; whether it’s on the grass or in your bed is up to you. Don’t fight it - your body probably hates you, so give it some much needed rest. Just don’t freak out when you wake up six hours later to an eerily quiet campus. Just like you, everyone is recovering.
10. Order takeout
Celebrate a successful homecoming by ordering that large, greasy pizza that you’ve been craving all day. Plus, it’ll soak up all the extra alcohol in your system. Heck, order those breadsticks and a large coke while you’re at it.
Congrats, you made it! You survived with only minor injuries, your phone still intact and a raging headache. Just remember you get to do (most of) it all over again as an alum.
