How To Stay Safe At A College Party
Your first college party can be nerve-racking. From figuring out what to wear to how much to drink, it can all be overwhelming. Follow these tips before so you can stay safe and have a good time!
Stick Together
Staying in a small group ensures that there are always people looking out for you. However, don’t just choose any group. Sticking with a group that you know has your back is the best way to stay safe. Also, keep a lookout for your friends to make sure they are staying safe as well.
Arrive together and leave together. If someone feels uncomfortable somewhere or you do not feel safe anymore, let everyone know and make sure the group stays together. Never leave anyone behind no matter how badly someone wants to stay!
Know Your Limits
If this is your first time going out to drink there are a few things you should know:
1. NEVER drink on an empty stomach.
2. Drink tons of water.
3. Do not overdo it
Take it slow and see how you feel throughout the night. Don’t force yourself to keep up with other people. After a while, you will learn how much you can handle and you can make figure out what works best for you. However, if you go to a college party to drink for the first time pace yourself because even if you don’t feel it immediately, you will later. Listen to your friends if they say you need to take a break and sip on a water bottle for a while.
Watch Your Drinks
You can never be too careful when it comes to buying drinks at bars. Make sure you watch the bartender make your drink and after you get it don’t set it down. DO NOT accept drinks from strangers without knowing where they come from. If you start to feel weird tell the bartender or your friends immediately to make sure you get home safe. If you have a straw with your drink you can poke a hole in a napkin with it and cover the top of your glass so you can enjoy your drink with some extra precaution.
Carry A Charger
Carry a portable charger and keep your phone close. College parties can get out of hand and if you get separated from your friends or have an emergency it is important that your phone isn’t too far from reach. Making sure you have a way to charge your phone is a lifesaver so always make sure your phone is completely charged and never too far from reach.
Get A Reliable Designated Driver
A lot of times friend groups assign designated drivers that end up drinking anyway, so make sure you can trust your DD. Make sure you are all the same page of what to do if you accidentally get separated, and share locations with each other for extra safety precautions too. Research if your university has any carpool programs and save the information in your phone in case you run into problems. Don’t accept rides from random strangers no matter how long you have been talking to them at the party.
Closed-Toed Shoes Will Save Your Life
No, really. Especially if it’s a casual college party, wearing closed toes shoes will save your toes from getting stepped all over and will be so much more comfortable if you have to walk long distances. Leave them in the car to quickly change into or carry them in a bag. Either way, your feet will thank you by the end of the night.
