It’s no secret: a lot of college kids like to party. Not everyone does of course, and you aren't legally allowed to drink until you're 21. However, most students will be 21 before leaving college and likely will end up at a party or two on or off campus. If you do find yourself at a party—on campus, at a friend’s house, at a frat, on spring break, wherever—following these do’s and don'ts will help keep you safe and sound while still having a great time.
Do stick with your pack
You’ve heard of “Leave no man behind.” Well, it doesn’t just apply to the military—it’s important to look out for one another when going out with friends too. Start the night off as a group, whether you’re walking, taking a cab, or riding with a designated driver so you all roll in together. When you’re at the party, you don’t have to hold each other’s hands, but you should keep an eye on everyone in your group. Check in with each other throughout the night, and if you want to leave, never leave alone and never leave without making sure your friends have an exit plan too. The buddy system can help prevent potential unfortunate situations if you wander off without anyone knowing.
Related: How to Stay Aware and Make Smart Choices at College Parties
Don’t drink on an empty stomach
A wise man once said, “If you’re gonna drink, you’ve gotta eat.” If you choose to drink, put something solid in your stomach beforehand to slow down the absorption of alcohol in your bloodstream. If you skip dinner and then drink, you’ll feel the effects of the alcohol much faster, which is not good news for your liver, digestive system, or personality. Eat before you go out, don’t be afraid to snack at the party, and be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and nasty hangovers the next morning.
Do know your limits
You don’t want to be that person at a party: the person who overdoes it with alcohol. Be aware of your personal limits, take it slow, and be observant of your body and what’s happening to you and around you. Enjoy other aspects of the party: meeting new people, catching up with friends, eating, dancing, etc. And don’t feel pressured to drink more than you intended to—or to drink at all! You know what makes you feel comfortable, so don’t let anyone question those choices.
Related: An Important Guide to Student Safety and Support on Campus
Don’t leave your drink unattended
It’s easy to set down your cup real quick when you’re at a crowded party. But creeps have been known to mess with unattended drinks in many settings, even if you are away for just a second. Hold on to your beverage at all times, and don’t accept a drink from anyone unless you see what they put in it. If you do walk away from your drink, leave it and make yourself a new one. This is cliché, but it holds true: Better safe than sorry!
Do understand what "consent" means
Say you’ve been flirting with someone all night, and now you’re alone with them. You both need to give consent before anything sexual happens. If they are passing out on the bed and aren’t coherent, that means no. If you agree but then change your mind a few minutes later, your partner needs to stop what they’re doing because that also means no. No means no, and not answering doesn’t mean yes—only “yes” means yes.
Don’t drink and drive—or walk either
I repeat: Do NOT drink and drive! It’s dangerous, it’s illegal, and unfortunately, it happens way too often. Find a designated driver, order an Uber, hide your keys from yourself, or see if your school has a pickup or shuttle service for getting students home safely at night. Just don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. Ever. (But what if—NO! Never.) The consequences are not worth it.
Not so fun fact: Statistically, mile for mile, you're more likely to get hurt walking drunk than driving drunk. Obviously, drinking and driving can have catastrophic consequences, especially when it comes to injuring others. So, again, don't do it. But don't make the mistake of thinking it's fine to stumble home from that party across town either. If you don't have a designated driver, take a cab, Uber, Lyft, etc. A lot of colleges will pay for your ride, or they might be able to send a campus shuttle. Just call the check-in desk at your dorm or the campus safety and security office.
Related: How to Stay Safe on Your College Campus
College parties are supposed to be fun! That is the point of going to a party, right? But one stupid mistake can turn a fun night into a night of regrets. These do’s and don’ts are serious, but they aren’t meant to bring you down or make you want to stay locked up at home like a hermit. College can be some of the best years of your life, so just be smart, stay safe, and enjoy yourself!
New students often go into college with preconceived notions of what campus parties are like. Check out this video to learn what's fact and what's fiction when it comes to party schools.
