Spring Jam, otherwise referred to as the "unofficial-official" start of dartying season: the time where drinking a beer on your porch at 9:30 a.m. becomes socially acceptable. While the ‘Spring’ part of Spring Jam this year is debatable, the ‘jam’ part is never questionable. So, after a few years of experiencing the pros and cons of the University of Minnesota’s national holiday, here is an overview of how I survived (but maybe not thrived) at Spring Jam.

While it is technically a week-long event full of various activities ranging from games, student group performances and free things (the best), the main day is Saturday. And yes, it is an all-day festivity, beginning bright and early with an 8:00 a.m. shot of Rumchata in your coffee. Or if you are a rebellious freshman with an excessively high tolerance, an actual shot of some cheap vodka. Or even better, for our fellow Brads and Chads of the University, a rise-and-grind shotgun chased with a shower beer.

Additionally, Spring Jam is the first time in eight months it is encouraged to flaunt your pasty bare skin (other than your face and hands). And of course, it is time to break out those dusty scandalous outfits reserved for summer days. Although this year, you might have to become creative by somehow mixing your winter boots and crop top.

Now that you're buzzed enough so that you don’t feel self-conscious about your body blinding your crush, it is time to pack for the day. First, grab a backpack -- a drawstring bag will not suffice because this bag must have the heft to carry booze for half the day. On the bright side, if it is still winter this Spring Jam, at least your Redds Hard Cider or your PBR will remain chilled! You always know it's going to be a great time when you corrupt your school bag with alcohol.

Now it is time to darty jump! Whether you hop from frat house to frat house or remain on your main bud’s porch all day, you must have your first destination planned. This is key because even if you don’t have anything else planned for the remainder of the day, I guarantee that you’ll find something after consuming four beers with your other pals. I would recommend claiming a courtyard and play Bags/Cornhole, that one frisbee drinking game nobody knows the actual name of and the classic, flip cup. Yard games are the poster children of dartying, so it is a must. OR Sssdude-Nutz could return and sponsor another block party…*hint hint, wink wink*…

The day continues, resulting in dancing on porch railings, hugging acquaintances like they are your best friends, and gradually making your backpack lighter through consumptions. Some may have chosen to buy tickets to the festival grounds/concert. There will be a mini donut stand that will be your first (and most important) stop. The line for the Ferris wheel will be excessively long, so I would suggest bringing your non-Minnesotan (aka non-passive) friend along so that she can smoothly budge to the front as you shyly follow behind her. And the concert will be comprised of sweaty college kids screaming the lyrics, even if they don’t know them.

Or you could save your money and take a nap instead because trust me, at this point in the day, nothing sounds better than DP Dough and your bed. But hey, maybe I am just weak? Regardless, food is probably a good idea. And the stairs by DP Dough are a fantastic place to sit down and wait for thirty minutes while your other friend gets lost trying to find you only three blocks away.

Now comes the true test of your dedication to Spring Jam -- after you wake up from your nap, do you continue to party or not? While personally, I would prefer remaining in my pajamas and watching a movie, I salute those who have the willpower (and the stomach) to continue to party. Regardless, the day will eventually come to an end, thus concluding yet another Spring Jam. Another day marked by numerous hilarious photos, hours wandering the University of Minnesota campus and unforgettable memories with your best friends. Hopefully enough fun to forget that there is snow in April...