Party it Up

Partying is an inescapable part of college. I don't mean the crazy, get hammered, and forget what happened last night; I mean partying in the sense that there will be plenty of dancing, and hanging out with friends in small places with music. Although not everyone is attracted to hard partying, it has become a common phenomenon, one that that has been ingrained into the social psyche. While the ways of the party, dancing, loud music, and dark, crowded places have been quickly learned by generation after generation, the part about staying safe hasn't quite caught on. The following are some tips I've learned to avoid disastrous results.

• Never go to a party by yourself. The buddy-system is a lesson that will take you far, but going to a party in a group and leaving together is even better. Not only does going to a party together keep you from feeling awkward or alone, but whoever said that the phrase, "safety in numbers," definitely knew what they were talking about.
• Don't drink during the day. If you're underage you shouldn't be drinking at all, but let's face it lots ignore this law, so if you're going to drink do it safely. Drinking during the day only pushes you to drink more than you normally would, especially if you end up partying during the day and then also at night. Remember that the sole reason to go to a party isn't to drink, it's to have fun and hang out with friends, no one likes a chick that passes out at 11 at night. 
• Don't throw things. If a crowd gets rowdy and uncontrollable, try to leave, because alcohol and angry people don't mix well. Just this year, the JMU Springfest Blockparty in Forest Hill, turned dangerous when the crowd started throwing glass beer bottles. Private property was damaged, people left bleeding, ambulances were called, and the riot squad cleared the area with tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets.
• Lastly, listen to the police. If you do get caught in a situation like the one described above listen to the police. Yes, the threat of getting arrested for underage alcohol consumption is scary, but the consequences for ignoring police instructions is much worse.

So party, but party safe. Until next time guys!