Things I’ve Learned from Frat Parties

Frat parties are pretty much a weekend staple for some of us. We get dressed up and put on our best heels and foray into the world of overcrowded dancefloors and booming bass lines. Personally I was never much of a party animal, but being at Cornell has taught me a few things, which I would now like to share with you.

1. Boots are great storage areas
“Boots are the perfect combination of style, storage and snow protection,” says Lauren ’13. We all know about the bra-purse i.e. using your bra as a purse. But during the winter months when you are more likely to be rocking Uggs rather than high heels, your boots are a great place to stash your valuables while you take over the dancefloor. I’ve fit my BlackBerry Torch, keys, ID card and credit card in one boot alone. The key is to wear boots that are both cute and spacious. 

2. The buddy system: it’s not just for kindergartners anymore
My friends and I have instituted what we would like to think is a foolproof buddy system. Go to a party with at least one or two people and always leave with the people you came in with (unless of course someone voluntarily decided to stay behind). A part of this buddy system is the “safe word.” Safe words have salacious connotations involving whips and such but they can be very useful in a party. Before going into a party, come up with a word or phrase that if uttered by one of your friends means that she would like help getting rid of the creepy guy that won’t leave her alone or the sleazy guy trying to get a hand down her pants.

An alternative to the safe word is a safe gesture. My friends and I cross our arms as discreetly as possible whenever we want to get out of a situation silently and without trouble. Come up with your own safe word or safe gestures for your group.

3. Be nice!
This may seem a bit redundant but it’s pretty crucial to keep a level head at a party. Obviously there are going to be heavily intoxicated people at any party you go to, but regardless of your own sobriety level it’s generally a good idea to stay cool. I’ve personally seen a girl get knocked out because she was rude and gave the middle
finger to everyone in a line for the bathroom. Drunken people aren’t always nice so in order to stay on everyone’s good side and firmly on your feet sans black eye, be nice.

4. The bathroom is the best place to find new friends
At some point during the night you will venture towards the bathroom and undoubtedly there will be a line. But this isn’t a bad thing (unless you really need to go) because it’s a great place to strike up a conversation. Whether it’s about that ridiculous game of pong you saw downstairs or the latest changes to the Recognition Policy for fraternities, all it takes is a smile and a quick icebreaker to start a new friendship. 

5. Get to know the brothers
A frat house isn’t just a place to party on the weekends; it’s also a place where people live. Those people, the brothers, can be very helpful if you need anything. Can’t find the bathroom? Ask a brother. Can’t find your friend? Ask a brother. Need a T-shirt and some shorts to borrow because yours got trashed while Jell-O wrestling? (True story!) Ask a brother. (Not recommended if you don’t actually know the brother in question.) But with all that said, you have to realize that frat brothers want to make new friends too. “We like to get to know our guests, not just absentmindedly hand them drinks,” says Rob ‘14. “It’s great to talk and get to know people.” So the next time you are at a party think of striking up a conversation with the brother manning the door or the stairs or the bar. It could be the start of a beautiful friendship!

Sources

Lauren ‘13
Rob ‘14