College is commonly associated with the party scene, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing—college parties are a great way to foster friendships, let go of stress, and immerse yourself in the full collegiate experience. But it’s incredibly important to prioritize safety at every party you attend. While it might not be top of mind when you’re trying to have a good time, the last thing you want is for you or a friend to get hurt or end up in a dangerous situation. With that in mind, here are some strategies you should put in place if you decide to attend parties on or off campus.
Plan out the night
It might seem a little silly to plan your night for a party other than what you’re going to wear. But having a basic plan with everyone on the same page will make it easier for you and your friends to stay safe. Your plan should include things like:
- Transportation
- Communication and check-ins
- When you plan to leave
- Where you’re going after the party
Your plan should also include how you can take care of yourself before, during, and after the party. If you’re of age and know you’re going to have a few drinks, make sure you eat something before heading out and stay hydrated. You’re less likely to become intoxicated as quickly on a full stomach. At the party, pace yourself and alternate with water between alcoholic drinks.
Avoid overconsumption
Overconsuming alcohol is one of the biggest dangers at college parties. While you might not think it’s a big deal to drink too much for one night, consider some of the short- and long-term effects. Alcohol immediately takes a toll on the body; it can fluctuate your mood, contribute to acid reflux and other digestive issues, and even damage your kidney function. And people who chronically consume alcohol are more likely to have a weakened immune system, so you’re putting yourself at a greater risk of getting sick more often. Give yourself a drink cutoff before a party, and if you do end up overindulging, make sure you have a backup plan in place with your friends to stay safe.
Related: The Do's and Don'ts of College Partying
Set boundaries and trust your gut
You might think you’re too old to give in to peer pressure, but it happens more frequently in college than you realize. Make sure you communicate your boundaries clearly to whomever you’re talking to at a party. If someone wants you to do something that goes against your values or raises some internal red flags, be sure to stand firm. That goes for more than just limiting your alcohol intake or partaking in any kind of unknown substance. If you don’t feel comfortable with the things someone is saying or doing, get away from them or use the buddy system to keep yourself from spending any time alone with them. It’s always safer to stay in a group when you’re at a party than going off by yourself. You’ll have emotional and physical support, and anyone with nefarious ideas will be less likely to target you when your friends are close by.
If you don’t feel safe at a party, you can (and should) leave at any time. Make sure your friends know where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and when you get home safely, but don’t feel obligated to stay. It’s even better to ask a friend or the whole group if they wouldn’t mind leaving with you. But many college campuses provide on-campus transportation for free, so whether you’re alone or with a friend, you can safely get a ride back to your dorm. Never drink and drive, and don’t walk home alone either, even if you live nearby. The risk of getting hurt walking while intoxicated is incredibly high, and if you’re by yourself and get injured or targeted, you might not be able to get the help you need right away.
Related: 5 Smart Personal Safety Tips for High School and College Students
Help out your peers
Once you feel more confident in your preparations, you should also look out for others at parties to make sure they’re safe too, especially if you’re going out with a group. Keep an eye on who your friends are talking to as well as what they’re drinking. If they have to use the bathroom or step away for a minute, watch their drink for them or encourage them to throw it away—a drink should never be left unattended at a party.
When it’s time to leave, always choose the safe option and don’t drive if you’re not the designated driver. In 2023 alone, over 10,000 deaths in the US were attributed to drunk driving. Utilizing on-campus transportation is a great option, but if you live off campus or some friends live in different buildings, consider calling an Uber or Lyft, or even waiting for public transportation together. If a car is the only option, make sure your friend group has a designated driver who’s prepared for circumstances like driving late at night or in inclement weather. You could even volunteer yourself!
Drivers taking people home at night should take extra precautions, including driving the speed limit, demanding seat belt usage, and sticking to known routes. If your designated driver ends up having to travel through snow or ice, make sure they go slow, don’t follow other cars too closely, avoid slamming the brakes, and take extra care on bridges and overpasses that might ice over before other parts of the road.
Related: An Important Guide to Student Safety and Support on Campus
With all this said, don’t be afraid to attend parties while you’re at college; they aren’t as bad as this may make them seem. Everyone deserves a break and the opportunity to let loose if that’s what you want to do. Just make sure you understand your responsibilities at parties so you can keep yourself and the people you care about as safe as possible while still having a good time.
We have so much more advice to help you live your best (and safest) life on campus in our Student Life section. Check it out and pick up more tips to prepare for anything!
