Mardi Gras is quickly approaching, and this means you need to get your act together. Let’s face it, we all go through these basic steps as we gear up for the most wonderful time of the year.
1. Change your prof pic. How are all your friends at other schools supposed to know Mardi is coming if it’s not Facebook official?! The goal is to look as fun and carefree as possible. Also, you’re not complaining at the influx of likes your pic is receiving.
2. Bring out your costume box. Going to school in New Orleans means you have unusually large amount of tutus, graphic tshirts, and purple American Apparel leggings. If you’re graduating, you’re extremely unsure what you’re going to do with all this next year but giving it away is definitely not an option — these sequin fanny packs have extreme sentimental value.
photo cred: @carlyjadeslo
3. Stock up on munchies. This step doesn’t need justification. It’s Mardi Gras, which means your diet consist of Boot food, chips, and cold beverages.
4. Order a portable phone charger from Amazon. It’s the weirdest phenomenon but not only does Mardi suck the life out of you, but it also sucks the battery out of your phone. Carrying around a portable charger will ensure you don’t miss out on capturing your 2015 Mardi prof pic (to then be used to welcome Mardi Gras 2016).
5. Clean your room. Chances are, you have an average of 3.4 people staying with you and this really means crashing on your floor. So, kick your sneaks out of the way and make room for your guests of honor and the inevitable moment when all your clothes go from your closet to your floor.
6. Invest in Mardi shoes and a good fanny pack. You’re going to be on your feet ALLLLLLLL day and ALLLLLLL night so having a comfy pair of sneakers that you don’t mind getting mud all over will save your life. Don’t forget about the Bluetooth of purses, the fanny pack, to ensure you’re hands-free to catch those beads!
7. Make a Mardi playlist. Waking up most mornings of Mardi Gras will be harder than going to your 8am on Friday morning. Start working on a pump up playlist now so you can start jamin from Muses until Zulu
8. Scope out the thrift stores. Even though you have enough Mardi Gras clothing for the entire Freshman class, you always feel the need to see what else is out there. Make a date to raid Magazine St. where you’re guaranteed to find some weird perfect Mardi Gras attire and accessories.
9. Get some rest! Once the debauchery of Mardi Gras ensues… there’s no stopping. Take these next couple of weeks to catch up on any homework and get some sleep. Just like any marathon, it’s important to rest up before the big event.
10. Add Freddie King to your contacts. A major goal of Mardi Gras is to not get in trouble. If you find yourself in a “less than ideal situation” call every Tulane student’s hero, criminal attorney, Freddie King.