Back to Campus, Back to the Party
September is here and the new schoolyear is just beginning! đ
New classes? Check.
New roommates? Check.
Trying to remember where your lecture hall is? Weâll get there. đ
And then there are the parties.
Frosh. Orientation. House parties. Pub nights. Homecoming. That first big weekend back with your friends. Campus life can be a lot of fun, and if alcohol is part of your plans, a little preparation can go a long way. Partying smart is not about not having fun, itâs all about making informed choices, looking out for your friends, and making sure one night doesnât turn into a semester-long problem.
Here are some #DrinkSmartTIPS to help you head into September ready.
đ PLAN Before You Party
The best time to think about getting home safely is before the first drink.
Before heading out, figure out:
- Who are you going with?
- Where are you going?
- How are you getting home?
- Are you staying over?
- Whatâs the plan if someone in your group needs help?
Save your campus safe-walk number, know your transit options and make sure your phone is charged. And remember, never drink and drive. If you’re driving, don’t drink. If you’re drinking, leave the car at home.
Having a plan also means you can leave whenever you want. If a party feels uncomfortable, unsafe or just isn’t your vibe anymore, trust your gut and head out.
đ Donât Pre-Game on an Empty Stomach
We get it, the pre-game is part of the party.
But drinking on an empty stomach can make alcohol hit you faster and make it easier to drink more than you planned.
Grab some food before you go out and keep snacks around during the night. Your future self (and your 9am lecture) will thank you.
And just like that, that emergency pack of instant noodles finally has a purpose. đ
đ„€ Know Whatâs in Your Cup
Not every drink is created equal.
A beer, glass of wine and mixed drink can contain very different amounts of alcohol. Learn what counts as a standard drink and pay attention to how much you’re actually consuming.
If you’re at a party, pour and measure your own drinks when you can. Be especially cautious with shared drinks, mystery punches and jungle juice. If you don’t know what’s in it or how strong it is, it’s okay to pass.
And never accept a drink if you don’t feel comfortable doing so.
â±ïž Slow Your Roll
Frosh and Homecoming can feel like one giant party, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep up with everyone else.
If you choose to drink:
- Take your time.
- Keep track of what you’re having.
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic drinks.
- Give yourself breaks; it takes 60 minutes for your body to process 1 standard drink.
- Don’t let someone else decide how much you should drink.
Remember, only time sobers you up. Coffee, cold showers or a late-night workout won’t make alcohol leave your system faster.
đ« Frosh Rule #1: Look Out for Your People
Orientation and Frosh are a great time to meet people, but you might not know everyone you’re partying with yet.
Stick with friends you trust and check in with each other throughout the night. If your friend suddenly seems much more intoxicated, is vomiting, can’t stay awake, is confused or you’re worried something is seriously wrong, don’t leave them alone. Get help from campus staff, security, a sober friend or emergency services.
Being the friend who says, âHey, are you good?â can make a bigger difference than you think.
đ« No Thanks Is a Complete Sentence
You don’t drink? Cool.
You’re taking a night off? Also, cool.
You don’t want another drink? You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Not everyone drinks, and not everyone wants to drink every time they go out. Choosing not to drink is a completely valid way to enjoy campus life.Â
If you’re worried about pressure, grab a non-alcoholic drink and keep doing your thing. Chances are, everyone else is too busy worrying about themselves to care what’s in your cup.
đ Hosting a Party? Set the Vibe
If you’re hosting, you have a chance to make your place a safer space for everyone.
Make water and non-alcoholic drinks easy to find. Put out food. Give people somewhere to sit and cool down. Don’t pressure anyone to drink, and step in if someone’s behaviour becomes unsafe.
Oh yeah, and before everyone arrives, know how people are getting home.
A good party doesn’t need to revolve around alcohol. Music, games, snacks, terrible dancing and goofy group photos can do plenty of the heavy lifting. đž
đ One More Thing: Mixing Isn’t a Game
If you’re drinking, donât mix alcohol with other substances, including cannabis or medications. Combining substances can change how they affect you and can increase impairment and other risks.
The safest option is not to mix substances, and if you’re taking medication, check with a healthcare professional or pharmacist about how it may interact with alcohol.
đ September Is About More Than the Party
Starting a new semester can feel like a lot. There are new people to meet, classes to figure out and plenty of FOMO to navigate.
Go to the party. Meet people. Dance badly. Cheer at the game. Make the memories.
Just remember, you get to decide what a good night looks like for you. Whether you’re drinking or not, the goal is the same. To have fun, look out for your friends, and make choices you feel good about the next day.
Welcome back to campus. Let’s make this year a good one.
