Whether it’s your thing or not, parties are a huge part of college culture – especially on a campus as large as the University of Minnesota. While it can be super fun to step out of your comfort zone, it’s also important for you to feel free from harm and confident while doing it! It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new on campus or taking your victory lap, these are a few of my favorite tips and tricks to have the most fun (and safe) night on the town.
Eat well before you go out.
If you choose to have a few drinks or not, that’s up to you. But either way, it’s important to eat well before you head out for the night. Here’s some of the best things to eat for a full stomach and loads of energy:
- Green tea: Tea is great for your liver and can give you a boost of energy too! Of course have an actual meal alongside it, but it’s not a bad idea to sip on some green tea before to refuel before you go.
- Healthy fats: Lean sources of protein such as avocado, salmon, and peanut butter are awesome for you in general, but they’re even better when you need some energy to get the night going! These things will give you a full stomach and are less likely to make you sick later on in the night. My favorite is some classic avocado toast – it’s not too much to make you stuffed, but it’s enough food to sustain you through a night of fun.
- Water: Stay hydrated, ladies! This seriously cannot be stressed enough. You should drink lots of water every day, but especially if you’re going out. Drinking alcohol can be extremely dehydrating, which will make you feel all kinds of terrible the next morning. Even if you aren’t planning on drinking, it’s important to hydrate so you feel your best while hanging out with your friends.
Use your own best judgement.
Don’t let peer pressure take over. It’s okay to say no! (You might be surprised by how cool your friends will be about it!) Contrary to what you might imagine, it’s totally possible to go out and have a fun time without any alcohol being involved. Honestly, it can even be more fun that way. All too often, drinking can quickly turn a pleasant night out into a disaster within a matter of minutes. Use your head in every situation and have confidence in your gut feelings!
Bring condoms – and use them!
This doesn’t mean you have to plan on having sex at the end of the night if that’s not your thing. Whether you’re in a serious relationship or you aren’t planning on hooking up with anyone, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Not to mention, you can’t always count on a potential partner to have a protection. Grab some rubbers from your dorm’s health advocate or the local drugstore and slip them into your purse. You’ll sigh with relief when you’re in a ~heated~ situation and you find these little guys in your bag.
Utilize campus resources if you’re feeling uneasy about getting home.
There are so many better options than walking alone at night or calling an expensive taxi service. Use 612-624-WALK(9255), the U’s walking escort service, if you don’t feel comfortable walking around campus alone. Not only is this service great on the weekends, but even if you’re coming home from the library late at night, call for a companion! If you’re not feeling up for walking or your sober cab isn’t so sober anymore, call the Gopher Chauffeur. This service won’t bring you to a party, but it will provide you with a safe ride home. Pro tip: Make sure you call at least a half hour before you’re ready to leave. A lot of people utilize this resource on the weekends and they can get pretty backed up! Most importantly, NEVER get into a car with someone who has been drinking or is under the influence of drugs. It’s better to pay the money for an Uber or a taxi rather than risk the lives of you and your friends.
Use the buddy system.
I know this seems elementary, but it’s important to stick around your friends or people you trust. Even if it’s just you and one other person, make sure you keep an eye on each other! Personally, my roommates and I have found it easiest to share our GPS locations with each other on our phones using the “Find My Friends” app. It’s super simple to set up, and it really makes it easy for us to know where everyone is, whether one of us stays in or we get split up when we go out. Do whatever works best for you, but using some type of buddy system is absolutely vital if you’re out partying. Pro Tip: Don’t just watch out for your buddy, if you see something suspicious or dangerous happening to anyone at a party, step in. This might mean grabbing a friend or fellow party go-er to back you up, but regardless, don’t be a bystander.
Most important of all, stay safe, remind your friends to do the same, and enjoy your well-deserved weekends. Whether you’re heading out to a frat party or just a friend’s movie marathon, be smart when it comes to going out! You’re only in college once, so live it up – but please make sure you’re safe while doing it.