As college students, going out can be a top priority, yet staying safe often gets neglected. Certain environments can be damaging to both safety and reputations. Sometimes going out can result in situations of peer pressure, bad decisions, and occasionally regret. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe when going out:
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-Use the Buddy System
The buddy system is very important when going out. Designate one of your girl friends to be your “buddy” for the night. You can each look out for each other and make sure nothing happens to either one. Make sure your buddy doesn’t drink too much, go home with a stranger, drink and drive, etc.Â
-Know your limits
We all know that college can be a time of experimenting, but it is important to know your limits. Of course, we’ve all had those nights where we drank a little too much, but they should never occur consistently. It is important to know when to stop drinking for both your safety and your dignity. Although drinking can be a fun social experience, no one likes holding your hair back every night or carrying your unconscious body all the way from Klondike to App Heights.
-Don’t be afraid to say no
Sadly, drinking can sometimes become a competition. Whether you are being initiated into Greek life, going out with new friends, or find yourself drinking with a room full of guys twice your size, don’t be afraid to say no. Appalachian has a strict non-hazing policy, but that does not eliminate peer pressure. If you are feeling pressured to do something you don’t want to, just say no. If the people you are with judge you because of it, then they are not your true friends in the first place.
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-Be aware of your phone
When going out, you should be aware of your phone for multiple reasons. First, it is important to have your phone on and with you in case you get separated from your friends. Your “buddy” may be looking for you, so make sure you have your phone.  You should also be aware of your phone in terms of “drunk-texting.” There is nothing worse than going back through your phone the morning after and feeling extreme regret. Avoid the embarrassment and delete any numbers you may be tempted to drunk-text before going out; if you don’t want to delete them permanently, then write them down and leave them at home! I promise, you will feel a lot better when you don’t have to worry about uncomfortable text messages.
-Don’t go out on an empty stomach
Going out on an empty stomach can only end badly. When drinking on an empty stomach, there is nothing to absorb the alcohol. A lot of girls can be unaware of how fast alcohol can hit them, especially on an empty stomach. If you haven’t had a chance to eat dinner, but are anxious to go out, enjoy a beer with your meal and slow alcohol absorption.
-Have a D.D.
This is one of the most imperative parts of going out. Whether you are drinking three beers or ten, do not drink and drive. There are a number of alternatives that will keep you and other drivers safe. Try Safe Ride, a taxi, a beeper, or even designate one of your friends to be sober for the night. Create a system with your friends to switch off being D.D. and stay safe when you go out.
-Keep it classy
It’s all fun and games until someone ends up sloppy. There is nothing more unattractive than a sloppy drunk. If you cannot hold yourself up, it is time to go home. Slurring your words is just not cute. Designate your buddy to make sure you remain classy throughout the night; I promise you will both be thankful in the morning!