college parties (for dummies)

new to the college life? speaking as a current junior here are my best tips/tricks to surviving your first college party!!

⭐️ 1: WHAT TO WEAR

- Some parties, specifically themed frat or sorority parties may have specific outlines for what to wear (i.e. ____ vs. _____) (or _____ sports team) or more common ones like White Lies, Adam Sandler, or Red White & Blue.

- If there is a theme, try to follow it (at least loosely). I’ve heard of being denied entry due to lack of theme, but depending on where you are it’ll be different.

- No theme = Do what you want!! Common outfits are jeans and a tank top or jeans and pretty much ANY top. For shoes I recommend wearing something you don’t mind dirtying. I wear converse every time and I love it, Vans are also a popular choice. Wearing heels is a canon event, and you will regret it.

⭐️ 2: WHAT TO EXPECT

- It’s going to be body-to-body packed in whatever space you are in (house, basement, garage, outside?!) so expect to push past people to get where you need to go.

- Most places are BYOB, some charge their own rates for shots/seltzers but it’s a rip-off, you will save money bringing your own!!

- Most parties start around 9 or 10pm (in the US at least). I recommend showing up an hour (ISH) after it has started to avoid it being empty. It’s customary for parties to end around 12am so attendees can switch the bars- if they tell you to leave, LEAVE. everyone is leaving!

- You are in an unfamiliar place with people you’ve never met- COVER YOUR DRINK! :)

⭐️ 3: TRANSPORTATION

- Driving while intoxicated is not a joke. Driving under the influence is Not. A. Joke.

- Either walk with friends or call an uber/lyft. Being a passenger in a DUI is not something you want to do. Do not leave your life in the hands of your peers.

- The best (in my opinion) option is to drive to wherever you’re going, find overnight parking, and leave your car there. Then you only have to find/pay for transportation home.

- If it’s summer or the warmer parts of fall/spring just walk! it’s good exercise and usually you have the best conversations on the walk!

⭐️4: Friends + Buddies

- It may seem like common sense but do not go places you are unfamiliar with alone. If you must, leave the address and your live location to someone who will be AWAKE during your trip and able to watch you.

- If you go to a party with two other friends, you are leaving the party with those same friends. If one of them wants to leave with a “new” friend, you make sure they are okay and then leave. Do not leave someone behind- that’s not cool.

- If YOU are the one trying to leave with a “new” friend you met- tell someone!! make sure someone is aware of where you are going and the name of the person you’re going with.

⭐️CONCLUSION:

I hope this was a helpful “for dummies” post- and people can truly benefit from this. I tried to cover the basics but please let me know if there are more specific things you have questions on!

- Please like/save this post if it helped you!!

.

#collegediary #lemon8challenge #college #tips #collegeparties

2025/2/3 Edited to

... Read moreAttending college parties can be daunting for newcomers, but with preparation, you can have fun without compromising your safety. First, understanding party dynamics is crucial. Make sure to research the venue and ask your friends what to expect. It's also wise to familiarize yourself with common college party themes, as this can influence your outfit choice. Some popular themes include 'Tacky Tourist' and 'Color Wars,' where wearing the right attire can enhance your experience and acceptance among peers. When attending, remember that these gatherings often involve a mix of strangers, which makes it essential to maintain your privacy and security. Always keep your drink covered and never accept beverages from unknown sources. Another vital tip is knowing the party timeline. Parties usually peak later in the night, around 10 PM, so arriving a bit later can help you avoid awkward lulls. Keep track of your buddies and establish a meeting point in case you get separated. If you're driving, consider safe alternatives like carpooling or utilizing ride-sharing apps, especially if you plan to drink. After the party, walking home with friends can be a memorable experience, plus it promotes safety as a group. Lastly, don't hesitate to communicate with your friends about your plans during the event. If someone decides to leave with a new acquaintance, ensure they're aware of the situation. Encouraging open communication among friends strengthens your safety net. These practices not only aim to enhance your college party experience but also contribute to building a supportive social network that you can rely on during your college years.

40 comments

Nina Fant's images
Nina Fant

Also an important note. If your friends leave you (in any setting, a new place or a place you frequent) DROP THEM, those are not your friends.

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maya's images
maya

tip: try to have a life360 group with your friends you’re going with!! it’s always best to stick by each other but you’ll never know (had to hunt someone down after she snuck off with a guy, not fun 😭)

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