Better Safe Than Sorry: 6 Tips for Staying Safe at College Parties

By Kailey Walters on February 8, 2018

In a college atmosphere, parties are usually associated with dressing up, going out with friends, drinking, and staying out until the late hours of the night. While the pounding excitement and adrenaline can make partying feel like an exhilarating experience, events at parties can sometimes take a wrong turn. So whether you’re new to this whole college party thing or you’re already a seasoned partygoer, it never hurts to be reminded of how to stay safe at parties.

To ensure nothing bad happens so that you can enjoy your college party experience, check out some of the following tips for staying safe.

Young Couple in City at Night

(Image via pexels.com)

1. Always stick with a friend.

Depending on the size of the party, it may be very crowded and a bit difficult to stay with the friends you came with. However, no matter how many people are there or how much you may want to wander off on your own, always stay with at least one other person you trust.

Although you may think the odds of something bad happening are unlikely, having someone with you is always the better option. For example, if anything happens that makes you uncomfortable or feel unsafe, you’ll be glad when your friend is there to diffuse the tension or to help defend you.

2. Don’t leave your drink unattended.

You’ve probably heard this one a million times, but that doesn’t make it any less valid. Odds are you don’t know everyone at the party, which means you don’t know their motives … or what they might possibly slip into your drink when you’re not looking.

As a result, make sure your drink never leaves your sight. If you absolutely must leave it for a few minutes, say to use the bathroom, leave it in the hands of a trusted friend. And if you do happen to take your eyes off your drink or temporarily place it somewhere else, get a new one. Nothing might have happened to it, but then again, something might have.

You never know who would want to tamper with your drink, so make sure you remain alert and vigilant. Which leads to the next point…

3. Don’t accept drinks from strangers.

Again, you don’t know what someone might have slipped into the drink when you weren’t looking. On the other hand, you can accept sealed/unopened drinks or drinks that were mixed/made right in front of you, as long as you know what’s in it.

(Image via pexels.com)

4. Know your drink limit.

For some people, drinking a lot is their definition of a good time. And while it may seem fun and invigorating in the moment, most of the time it’s not the best idea.

Regardless of whether you’ve just started drinking or this isn’t your first rodeo, knowing your limit is extremely important. As you’re already aware, drinking too much can impair your focus, judgment, and memory… which usually doesn’t turn out well.

To avoid any accidents or doing something you might regret, keep track of how much alcohol you’re consuming. Doing so might not be the first thing on your mind early in the night, but it’s definitely worth it. After all, for the sake of your health, reputation, and personal safety, you probably want to be able to get home at the end of the night and avoid throwing up in the toilet.

5. Keep your important things with you.

This includes your phone, wallet, keys, and anything else that’s necessary for you to communicate with others and arrive home at the end of the night. Before you go to the party, make sure your phone is charged so that you can text or call others in case you need help or need to meet up with them again.

Also, make sure that you keep your wallet and keys on your person at all times — you don’t want to lose them or have them fall into the wrong hands.

6. Have a designated driver.

Not only should you stay safe during the party, but also before and after. Pretty much everyone knows or has heard of the importance of having a DD, so make sure you and your friends stick to it. Sure, one member of your group will have to forego drinking for the night, but it’s definitely the smart move to make to ensure everyone in your car on the way home stays safe.

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