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5 Common Sense Behaviors for Going to a House Party

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Howard chapter.

Every college girl needs a break from the deadlines, responsibilities, and other hectic activities involved with her academic career. Usually that break comes from the promises of abundant social interaction in the form of parties and events at clubs. The only responsibility at these places is to have fun. Although partying is a care-free activity, there are some things a college girl should be privy to when it comes to going out in situations where she can become extremely vulnerable.  There are 5 things a college girl should keep in mind before going out so that the night of fun doesn’t become an evening of disaster and possible embarrassment.

 

5  Don’t Give that Creep Your Number

 If some weirdo approaches you asking to exchange numbers and it is clear you’re not feeling him… forget all that being nice nonsense. Tell him NO and move away from him. However, if you enjoy a guy’s company because you’ve danced with him all night but have no interest in pursuing a relationship outside the party… it is also a good idea to forget all of the being nice nonsense and tell him NO. I’ve found myself in this situation countless times. Trying to be nice, I figured, “This guy isn’t going to blow my phone up with nonsense!” That was the biggest lie I ever told myself. I remember one particular instance vividly. I was at a party and this guy and I exchanged some good conversation (Or whatever is considered good conversation when you’re out at a party and not in your right mind *wink wink*) and he seemed nice. I wasn’t particularly interested in him as a person at all, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to give him my number. 10 minutes since leaving the party, he called my phone 6 times in a row. And for the next 3 days he would call me at strange hours. Finally I answered and told him honestly that I was not interested and I would greatly appreciate it if he would stop harassing my phone. He obliged because he isn’t a total sociopath and I never heard from him again. I had reached an epiphany at that point.

You may think that the guy was a jerk for assaulting my line, but in actuality I was the jerk . When you give someone your number, it says that you are interested in pursuing contact.  By giving that guy my number, I was leading him on.  It’s a case of having good intentions – because I thought I was being nice – and it backfiring. Do not be afraid to say no. If he responds inappropriately, keep it moving! One guy should not ruin your night.  As a fun bonus for the safety-conscious, when a guy asks for your name, it is okay to give a fake one. You may not want this guy looking you up on Facebook or doing some weird detective mess and coming across your residence. This is something that you should really practice at clubs where the likelihood of running into your classmates are low. There’s nothing more awkward than introducing yourself as Sasha at the club and then you run into this guy on the yard with friends who know you as Victoria. Imagine how that conversation will turn out!

4 Always be Aware of Your Surroundings 

 It is okay to trust your instincts as well.  My granddaddy always told me, “If it don’t feel right, then it ain’t right!” Because many people at a party tend to be under the influence of some substance, people may behave more aggressively and cause problems that will make it harder for everyone to have a good time. In more extreme cases, these kinds of people may have the ability to cause panic and make people to rush about. Being crushed under the weight of 50+ people isn’t on anyone’s bucket list so when you sense craziness and your gut tells you not to stick around, obey your gut.

If you like to drink at parties and you’re legal drinking age, you should never ever sit your cup down, walk away, and then return to drink out of it. You don’t know who is watching you and waiting on you to slip. The worst come out in some guys (and girls) at parties and you don’t want to make it easier for them to take advantage of you. The best way to avoid this is to have your own plastic bottle in hand filled with your favorite drink. You are less likely to set it down because chances are high that you purchased the drink. People tend to take care of the things they bought with their own money.

If you walked to a party, chances are you’re leaving it around 2 or 3am. It is common knowledge that things get a little sketchy during those hours – particularly if the party is hosted in a less than favorable neighborhood. Stay with a group who is going the same direction or place you’re going. It’s even better if you live in a dorm and you find people who all live in the same dorm to walk with. You should never be out alone. If, by some strange circumstances, you find yourself toughing it alone, you need to walk in well-lit areas and take note of suspicious seeming characters. If you feel that anyone is following you, have your phone on hand and dial the 9 and 1, but keep your finger on the last one just in case. If the person is following you with clear malicious intentions, dial the final 1, take note of the name of street and some landmarks in your area and scream “Fire!”(Or my dad’s favorite “free money!” I wouldn’t suggest that though for many reasons). People, for some reason, don’t respond to someone screaming “help.” If you happen to have something to defend yourself like pepper-spray, a Taser, or a black-belt in karate, use it!
 
3 Be Prepared

Use the bathroom before you go. There is nothing worse than having a good time and all of a sudden your bladder feels like it’s going to burst. You rush to the bathroom, but there is a line of other girls and guys waiting for the bathroom. You’re hearing someone gag in the bathroom, “Gross!” crosses your mind, and you suddenly feel like peeing in the bushes is a better option.  In my experience, the bathroom itself is disgusting or lacking. There’s crap all in the sink or in the toilet and there isn’t any toilet paper!  I’m sure you hate waiting in line as well.

The best things to have on hand while at a party or club is photo ID, some extra cash, and a shoulder bag to carry it all in. It’s important to have enough money to get into the place if there is a cover charge, but it’s also important to have some money in case you get stranded and need a ride home. I would not suggest asking a stranger for a ride under any circumstances! A shoulder bag that is like a tiny messenger bag is great because you never have to set it down to do anything.  In this way, you can avoid accidentally leaving your bag or having someone take it!
 
2 Have a Buddy System

There is strength in numbers and it is very important to travel with people who will look out for you. I would not suggest going out with a group of people you hardly know. I have witnessed too many times a girl intoxicated out of her mind and huddled in a corner without anyone around to take care of her. These girls usually say they came with a group of people they hardly knew and those people later on leave without “least important person of the group.” You aren’t part of the main circle and they figure you can take care of yourself. It’s important to know what situations you can handle alone, but it’s even better to have friends who will keep an eye on you. It’s very sad situation because a girl under the influence can easily be taken advantage of. It’s also not fun to be left all alone in a crazy setting such as a party. So come with good friends and leave with them!
 
1 Have Fun!
Having a good time is the main goal when it comes to attending parties and clubs. Don’t let anyone stop you from dancing the night away! Go home happy with good memories. Keep these tips in mind so that your night can be trouble-free and full of fun!

Kalia Williams sophomore English major with a a minor in Journalism. She is from McAllen, TX, a budding town on the border of Texas and Mexico. She is interested in fashion, cinematography, traveling and learning languages. In addition to writing for HerCampus-Howard University, she serves as the editor of Sterling Notes, the literary magazine at Howard University. She is an avid fan of soccer and aspires to go to the World Cup 2014 in Brazil!