For years, partying has always been associated with college. After all, isn’t that one of the things we all look forward to when we get that high school diploma? No more having to answer our whereabouts to anyone, no more curfews, and an overall sense of freedom. We think of all those nights that will be filled with plastic red cups, somewhat ridiculous adventures, and that not-so-great morning after. But with this sense of freedom we can sometimes go a bit overboard. Going out every night, blowing off homework, and all the local clubs and bars starting to know you by name. It’s not always our fault, we get that taste of independence and we can take it a little too far. While college is a time when we experience new things and are opened into a new world, we have to remember that we have to be responsible so that we can have those stories, yet be safe. So I’ve compiled a few rules that will guide you when you decide you want to have a night out, and hopefully through these next few years you’ll add your own rules.
Rule #1 Pregaming
Before your night of loud house music, crowded rooms, and sweaty, clumsy people begins, most people tend to pregame before leaving. I like to think this idea makes some sense because if you drink before leaving, by the time you’re ready to come home the alcohol will, for the most part, have made its way out of your system. Just make sure that throughout the night you drink water to keep you from getting dehydrated. Also, plan ahead. Set a time when you’re going to start drinking and a time when you’re heading out, so you know when it’s time to slow down.
Rule #2 Taxi Drivers are your friend
There’s nothing worse than finding that there’s not one sober friend among you after a night of drinking. The risk is too high to drive when you’ve been drinking – it only takes one phone call to call a taxi. Lately, I’ve been noticing that some local entrepreneurs have taken it upon themselves to start a business of driving people to the club of their choice for only a dollar or two per person, and when you’re done they will come pick you up. And if you’re embarrassed, don’t be. These guys have seen it all; just the fact that you don’t get sick in their car will make them happy.
Rule #3 The Buddy System
When you get to the club, it’s very easy to get lost in the crowd. And when you’re alone you can bet that all the creeps will zone in and become a bugaboo on you the entire night. So stick with your friends, they will come in handy when you start to notice a creep start to make his way over to you – just grab a friend and start dancing with them. And if he still doesn’t get the message, you can always tell him you’re a lesbian.
Rule #4 Mr. Wrong
If you meet a guy at the club and he casually asks if you want to come over, for the love of God, don’t be so naïve to think he just wants to get to know you. Unless you like doing the walk of shame in the morning, tell him you’re tired but give him your number. If he’s really interested, he will call you when you’re both sober.