Every weekend us fellow stags hike our way up to the townhouses in hopes of finding the next Project-X rage while trying to avoid DPS, RAs and, Niquita. However, there is a townhouse etiquette that we should all follow.
Do: Socialize with new peopleIt’s nice that you and your friends have 300 selfies in front of the American flag or that cool tapestry, but branch out! Some of the coolest kids you will meet on campus can be at your local townhouse party. It’s okay to step out of your comfort zone and talk to someone who is a little different from you.
Don’t: Steal sh*tOh hell no. Learned this one the hard way. Just because someone has not kicked you out of their house and they are actually allowing you to be there does not give you any sort of authority to go rummaging through their stuff. Do NOT open their refrigerator and start funneling with an upperclassman’s Bud Lights. Don’t eat their food either. This isn’t Late Night at Barone. People pay for their sh*t, be respectful. The same goes with their personal belongings too. Stay out of bedrooms and do NOT take anything that doesn’t belong to you. Come on do you really want to be in the crime beat?
Do: Dance!Gotta burn all those drinking cals off one way right? Let lose and jam out to your favorite song. Sing-alongs are always welcomed. Nothing like a great throw back to get everyone in a good mood. Also this is the perfect way break the ice and dance with that cutie you’ve been eyeing from your History class.
Don’t: Overdo itB*tch get off the table (learned this one the hard way too). You really don’t want to be “that guy” who had a little too much and is all over the place. Falling off the table and wiping out in front of everyone would not be the best either. Dance the night away just keep it classy.
Do: Introduce yourselves to the hostsIf you do not already know the people living in the house and you are there because a friend of a friend’s sister said it was cool for you to come through, the least you can do if thank the people who are allowing you to chill in their home. People are generally welcoming if you respect them and their house. Be appreciative.
Don’t: Ditch your FriendsThis is crucial. It’s easy to get separated from you friends especially when there are a lot of people in one place but you need to try your best to avoid it. The townhouses can be confusing, especially if you do not live there. Stick together and avoid any situation that may put yourself in danger.
Do: Respect AuthorityEven though it may be a buzz kill if RA’s or DPS break-up a social gathering for getting too out of hand, understand that. They are here to protect us and just do their job. If you cooperate with them and listen when they tell you to leave, chances are you won’t get written up. If you are hosting a gathering that gets too out of hand, don’t hesitate to call DPS on your own house. They will help you kick people out and you will not get penalized.
Overall, everyone just wants to enjoy the weekend. Be smart, safe, and have fun. Meet new people, know your limits and respect not only the owners of the townhouse, but the RAs and DPS officers who are here to protect us. Cheers to the weekend stags!