Coming home from a night out in C-town with only half of what you started with? And I don’t just mean your wits and money. I’ve done it, my housemates have done it, and just about every girl who has gone out at Cornell has done it at some point. It’s easy to lose track of your credit cards, phone, money, ID, and jacket when you’re having a great time out in C-town! It happens all the time. You walk into Johnny O’s and toss your black North Face on the massive pile of other unique black North Face’s. You drop your money on the walk home from CTP. You leave your credit card at Dino’s. Yep! Been there done that. But there’s an answer.
We have asked a few of the experts to give us a few tips on surviving the night and coming home in one piece, phone, money, and all. Paige Mollineaux ’13, a veteran of the Collegetown social scene, has some helpful tips that she says have contributed to her perfect record of never having left behind a single thing. “It’s all about the out-bag,” says Paige. “I take a small purse that goes around my body so I can’t lose track of it, no matter what. It’s just big enough to take my phone, camera, IDs, and lip-gloss.”
The jacket is another story. You definitely don’t want to have to hold onto your jacket all night, but losing it isn’t a great option either. Jeff Mazer, also known as “Jefe”, is the manager of Johnny O’s, the popular bar/club notorious for its dance floor (and tables). Jeff has a few guidelines to go by after witnessing the action.
“I’d say on the average Thursday, Friday, Saturday party-nights, about two to three coats are left per night. A lot of people don’t know that there are coat hooks in the back and in the front by the DJ booth.” Jeff said that most of the jackets that have been left behind or mistakenly taken have been…guess what? Black North Faces! So mix it up! Buy a cheap sweater that’s colorful and fun so that you can recognize it when making your exit.
Here are a few more “Dos and Don’ts” from personal experience and other girls:
DON’T take a credit card if you can help it. You’re just asking for it. Instead, go to the ATM earlier that day or ask for money back next time you are at Wegman’s. All bars accept cash, not all bars accept credit!
DO wear a wristlet purse or a purse that wraps around your body that you can fit your money, phone, Chap Stick, and IDs into.
DO separate your money, phone, ChapStick, and IDs from each other within the purse. This lowers the risk of accidental loss while paying for your drinks! If you do have pockets, separate them in your pockets. I find that putting your phone, ChapStick, and ID together in one pocket with your money in the other pocket works best.
DO bring a limited amount of cash. I typically bring about $40.00 and come home with plenty of change.
DON’T stuff your items in your dress or top! One bend and snap and you’re broke.
DON’T wear your black North Face out! Practically every girl at Cornell has one and they’re not cheap!
DO buy a cheap zip-up sweater that you don’t mind losing and that is identifiable.
DO drop your things in the same place every time when you get home. (it makes it easier to take inventory in the morning).
DO ask a guy to hold your things! They have pockets! He may even walk you home at the end of the night!
DO coordinate how much money to bring with friends. Don’t always be the high roller! Alternate who brings cash or each bring a limited amount.
So this weekend, get organized before going out! Put away the North Face, head to the ATM, and buy a colorful, fun sweater!
Sources
Jeff Mazer
Paige Mollineaux ’13