With all of the recent media regarding night safety on campus, we want to encourage Collegiettes at UMass to stay safe this weekend (and every weekend). Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you party it up this weekend!
1. Always Travel in a Group
Alright ladies, now I know this might seem a little obvious, but I still feel the need to mention it. It is so important when you’re going out at night for you to travel in a group of people you know and trust. These friends are your safety net for the night; they will have your back when you go out, just like you should have theirs. The most forgotten rule of going out in a group is to never leave anyone behind, or let anyone leave alone. Whether they are sober or drunk, there should always be someone who leaves with them or stays behind. Walking alone late at night is not a place anyone should be left in.
2. Carry Some Extra Cash
I know this can seem like a hassle, but keep a small bag or wallet with some extra cash when you go out. You never know what kind of situations you are going to run into, and having that extra cash might just be a lifesaver. Besides, how else are you going to pay for that cab when your heels are too hard to walk in?
3. Sober Drivers
Whether you are using a friend, a cab, or the Sobrio driving system, remember that sober drivers are always the way to go. Do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle after you have been drinking; there are so many other options. This is really where carrying extra cash will be useful to you or any of your friends. There are always those nights where you may just need to get home fast, and the walk ahead is not looking promising, and I strongly recommend using a sober driver in these circumstances. There are so many taxi companies around campus, and there is always that friend who stays in for the night, so use these resources; they really are useful.
4. Dress Appropriately
I know it is starting to get colder and dressing up to go out on the weekends is getting more difficult, but that does not mean you should continue to dress as if it is still summer. Be realistic about your outfit choices. Jeans and a cute top with the right accessories can still look great for going out, and you’ll be more comfortable on the long walks around campus. One more suggestion: go out and buy yourself a cheap jacket that won’t matter if you lose it. It will be so beneficial for your health if you do this because you’ll have something to keep you warm on the walks that you can put down at a party; odds are it will still be there at the end of the night, and you’ll stay warm on the walk back.
5. Know Your Limits
Ladies, I cannot stress the importance of this enough. I know it seems like fun to compete with the boys about how much you can drink, but is it really worth the potential hospital trip? I can tell you now that it really is not worth it. Every now and again, you may have that wild night; but the best nights of all are the ones when you have a great time with your friends, and remember it the next morning. Don’t over-do it the night before, otherwise those memories will be forgotten by the next day, and you’ll probably be suffering from a nasty hangover. Know when you have had enough, and help your girlfriends out as well; this way, you can make the most of your nights out, while staying safe.
Stay safe, Collegiettes!