Partying Smart 101

Partying Smart 101
You’re away at college and you’re feeling independent. There are no parents and that means no
curfew. And let’s be real. College wouldn’t be any fun without parties. So get your party on, but
remember these helpful hints on partying smart when you do.
Don’t get totally wasted.
When you’re out partying or at the bar, don’t get so
drunk that you can’t function on a basic level. In other words, if you can’t walk, sit up or if you black
out, you lose control of your safety and the result can be dangerous to you.
Let’s stay together.
While you’re out partying, stay with your friends. Watch
out for each other. That is what friends are for after all. Arrive at the bar or party together, leave
together and make sure everyone gets back to their dorm or apartment safely.
Keep your drink to yourself.
Keep your drink with you at all times to
avoid anyone messing with it. Don’t put it down and walk away from it. And don’t accept a drink
from someone else. If they insist on getting you a drink, walk up with them to the bar or keg.
Don’t have drunk sex.
When you’re drunk, having sex is never a good idea.
Wait until both of you can consent. If the person you’re with is drunk, do the right thing and help
them get back to their friends, dorm or apartment safely and save sex for when you both are sober.
50%
of college
students’
sexual
assaults are
associated
with
alcohol use.*
Remember that your body is YOURS.
Remember, you always have the right
to say NO to any sexual activity. If the person you’re trying to hook up with wants to stop, you need to stop. Just
because you’ve been drinking doesn’t give someone the right to take advantage of you, and it doesn’t give you the
right to take advantage of another person.
Designate a sober partier.
Just like having a designated driver, talk to your friends and
consider picking a sober partier. A sober partier can tell you when you’re acting like an idiot and have your back
when you’ve lost your good judgment. They can make sure everyone stays together. And you can take turns being a
sober partier, so that everyone has a chance to have a good time.
*National Institutes of Health, 2002.
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