It’s that time of year again! No, not the start of football season or pumpkin spice everything. It’s college party season once again. If you’re a sophomore, junior, or senior, you know the drill. Freshman, this is a new world you’re about to enter into. College parties aren’t like your hometown after football games party. We do things a little differently here.
While parties are a great gateway into meeting friends and having a good time on the weekends, there are some things you should be aware of. Yes, I know you’re on your own now without parental control and you think you have all the freedom in the world, but you don’t. This is the real world, and you always need to be prepared. So here are a few tips on how to survive your first college party.
1.) Always have a beeper ready.
Beepers are very handy for getting to and from parties. They are sober drivers who, for the low cost of $2 per trip, can safely get you to and from without worry. There is a page on Facebook called Boone Student Beepers, join it! Students will post when they are beeping and attach a phone number. You may have to call a few different people before you get someone who isn’t too backed up, but it is well worth it. Try to secure this person to also bring you home at the time you want to leave, because waiting until the last minute to find a beeper is the worst! They do get busy, so get a beeper locked up early or you’ll end up standing outside in the rain, snow, or whatever Boone’s weather lady is throwing at you, trying not to get into a fight with someone while trying to hop into the next open car.
P.S. sometimes if you ask nicely and throw some cash their way, they’ll drive you to Cookout.
2.) Dress for Success
Go all out, especially if there’s a theme. Themes can be anything from highlighter to ABC to the classic Toga. Take advantage of the theme. When are you ever going to get to wear neon pink leggings again? It’s like Halloween every Friday night. Pinterest is a great place to start planning your outfit.
3.) Stick Together Like Glue
Going to a party is always better when you have your friends with you. You can make a fool of yourself and not have to worry about them judging you.When you go to a party with your friends, always make sure you’re keeping track of each other. Never leave the party without someone you came with, or without telling your friends you’re leaving. No (wo)man left behind!
4.) You May Be “The Mom”
You may have to take care of your friend who has had a little too much to drink. Don’t be a jerk about it, just help her out. Sure she should have stopped about five cups ago, but we all make mistakes. Take one for the team and make sure she’s safe and doesn’t hang-out-make-out with the creepy guy in the corner.
5.) The Bathroom Line Drag
Boys have it easy in this case. While they can just go right off the porch, you’re stuck standing behind 20 drunken, overly emotional girls with bladders about to bust. Most of the time, these girls will be some of the nicest you’ll meet on campus, which is great because you’ll probably get stuck peeing in front of them. My advice is to go before the party, and never wait until the last minute to get in line. There is also outside, if you’re desperate and up for it. It’s probably cleaner, and there won’t be toilet paper out there either.
6.) Know That You Don’t Have to Drink
Drinking isn’t required at parties, or to do college “right.” If you don’t want to drink, don’t feel like you have to. You can have fun at parties just by letting loose and having a good time on the dance floor. Also seeing the overly intoxicated party people is good entertainment for anyone. Skip the drinks if you want, just don’t be a party-pooper. No one likes a party-pooper.
7.) Boys, Boys, Boys
Unlike high school where only the “cool” kids are invited, you’ll meet an assortment of people at college parties. In college, everyone is invited! That means boys of all kinds will also be there. Parties are good places to meet new people and flirt a little. You have to remember that not all guys are good guys and not all guys are bad guys.
If anyone offers you a drink, make sure you watch them make it, or go with them to get it. Don’t take a drink that was pulled out of thin air. You don’t have to dance with someone who asks, and sometimes they won’t ask. Yes, some guys will just come and dance on you. If you don’t like it, say no or ask him to stop. Yeah girl, you’re allowed to say no! You can grab a girl friend and jiggle away with her to make your point. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, always remember that!
8.) Dance Like No One is Watching
Parties are a great place to let loose and forget about your problems for a few hours. Forget about professors and deadlines and that boy who didn’t text you back. Grab your friends and head to the dance floor. Remember, it’s dark, and mostly everyone has been sipping on the jiggle juice for a few hours. No one cares what you look like, or how horrible your dancing is, just let it out!
9.) The Cops May Come
It happens. Since App doesn’t have a Greek Row, fraternity houses are in neighborhoods and sometimes the cops get called. It’s important to remain calm. Don’t run. Ever. This will only single you out and they will come after you. Stay put. Running never ends well. Comply with the officers and do as you’re told. By this point the party is over so find yourself a beeper or a sober friend, and go home.
10.) The Drunkie Munchies
After the party is over, you’re going to want to grab a sober driver, pay a beeper, walk, whatever, just to get to a fast food resturant! I promise you, the food is better after a late night out. Cook Out will never be the same as it is after a party. Granted, the line will be out to the road, but it will be well worth the wait. Even McDonalds will taste like a five-star meal. Trust me on this.
Overall, have fun! This is college, and unlike what they told you in high school, these are the best years of your life. Take advantage while you can.
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