PARTY SMART

Whether celebrating a major event or just hanging out with friends, it is critical that students keep their own safety and wellbeing, as well as potential impacts on others, in mind. 

Follow these steps to party smart! 

Before the party 

• If you will be hosting a party at your home, give the neighbors a heads up. Invite them to call you if noise, parking, or guest behavior becomes a problem so that you can address the issue right away. 
• Make sure your getting-ready routine includes charging your phone and ensuring that you’ll have a safe place to carry your keys, ID, and money while you’re out. 
• Eat a meal that includes protein and water-based fruits or vegetables. Avoid overly salty foods. 
• Drink lots of water. 
• Plan a safe trip home prior to consuming any alcohol. Think through whether an affordable ride will be readily available through an app at the time you intend to come home. If surge pricing or lack of availability may make these inaccessible, arrange a designated driver in advance, or look into options like CARPOOL or the Corps Escort program (if your plan is to walk back to campus from Northgate). 

During the party 

• Keep hydrating. Try to drink a full glass of water after each alcoholic drink. 
• Know what’s in your drink. Mix, measure, and pour your own beverages at a house party. At a bar, don’t order something if you don’t know how much alcohol it contains. 
• Keep your drink within your line of vision at all times. If someone offers to buy you a drink, only accept it directly from the bartender. 
• Stay with someone you trust.  
• Know the signs of alcohol poisoning, and don’t hesitate to call for help if someone is in danger. Per Texas' 9-1-1 Lifeline Law and Student Rule 24.7.2, you will not be charged with MIP/underage drinking, as long as you: 
• Are the first person to notify law enforcement of the incident. 
• Remain at the scene until help arrives. 
• Cooperate with law enforcement and medical responders.