For many, the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration of IUPatty’s is the one weekend that many students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania look forward to. This event is well-known throughout Pennsylvania and some of the surrounding states. With that said, there are students from all different colleges and high schools. Besides students of IUP, many travel to take part in the weekend’s festivities. However, there are those select few students, like myself, who dread big party weekends such as IUPatty’s. Here is what I really think about IUPatty’s.
1. Big crowds
I’m not one for big crowds. It’s almost impossible to get to where you want and need to be in a timely manner during IUPatty’s. There is probably 1,000, if not more, extra people in the Indiana area who are taking part in one of the biggest party weekends of the year.
2. Alcohol
Unlike the majority of all college-aged students, I don’t drink alcohol. If you don’t drink, then what’s the point to IUPatty’s? Many of those in attendance consume more alcohol in 48 hours than I could even fathom.
3. Parties
This one, in a way, relates to points one and two, but oh well. The majority of the parties end up getting shut down during IUPatty’s weekend. I don’t see the fun in going from party to party if they’re all just going to get shut down eventually.
4. Underage drinking
I don’t understand excessive alcohol consumption, especially when you’re underaged. With underaged drinking, you have to go through so much trouble just to make sure that you won’t be caught. Especially if you live in the residence halls. If you’re drinking casually with friends and staying under the radar in off-campus housing, then that’s great! If you’re over 21, then enjoy yourself. Be smart. Don’t drink to get drunk. Know your limits. One last piece of advice to those of you who are underage and enjoy going out to party, check out this PDF file to learn more of the facts.
For me, the only good thing about IUPatty’s is to people watch and see what kind of dumb things they get themselves into and to listen to the police scanner to, again, hear about all of the ridiculous and unbelievable actions of students. All I can say is, if you’re going to party, party smart. If you’re going to go out and enjoy yourself, don’t do it on IUPatty’s weekend. Sure, you can still have a good time, but be smart about it. Now, I know there will be people who will read this and think I’m crazy, but to each their own. Am I right? Stay classy, IUP and I’ll see you next year IUPatty’s.Unfamiliar with IUPatty's? Check out this article from the Indiana Gazette about the past weekend's festivities.
