Weeks into the fall semester, college parties are springing up nearly every night. While parties are a large part of the college experience, it is important to know how to protect yourself at them. Here are seven tips for students to stay safe at college parties.
####1. Charge your phone beforehand####
Having your phone die before the night is over is not only an annoyance but can be risky. You may end up needing to text or call someone for help or a ride home. In order to ensure that in case of emergency you have a phone available, charge your phone to full battery prior to going out. If you don’t have time for a full charge, consider investing in a portable charger.
####2. Go with a trusted friend####
Going to a party alone or with strangers has the ability lead to potentially dangerous situations such as sexual violence. However, going with a trusted friend enables you to have someone to stick with or go to in case you need assistance throughout the night. Always know where your buddy is and continue to keep tabs on them throughout the night.
_If you plan on drinking:_
####3. Eat beforehand####
According to online news platform Elite Daily, it’s important to eat something before a night of drinking in order to slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Brooking says to eat mostly healthy fats and and lean sources of protein and to avoid refined carbs in order to slow the negative effects of alcohol. Possible pre-drinking foods include avocados, chicken or hummus.
####4. Watch your drink####
It is important to watch your drink at a party. Always pour your own drink so you know exactly what the contents are and don’t take your eyes off of it throughout the duration of the party. Try to hold your drink by the top to prevent anything being slipped into it. Never accept drinks from others, including people you know. It is typically seen as okay to take a drink from a friend, but one can never be too safe. These simple actions serve as safeguards against sexual violence.
####5. Practice safe drinking####
Safe drinking can make all the difference when partying. Alternate non-alcoholic with alcoholic drinks and make sure to drink in moderation. According to PopSugar Inc.’s fitness blog, it is beneficial to wait 45 minutes after you start your first drink before going for another one. Always know your limits with different types and numbers of drinks to prevent going further than desired. At MU, (STRIPES)[https://move.themaneater.com/stories/on-campus/behind-stripes-as-it-creates-community-for-volunteer-members] will provide safe and free rides home within Columbia.
####6. If something feels wrong, take action####
Alway use your instincts when partying. If something or someone feels off, don’t hesitate to leave or call someone to be safe. In addition, step in if you see something inappropriate happening. If someone seems to have alcohol poisoning or needs assistance, call a professional. In Missouri, the Good Samaritan Law enables you to seek help for those in a state of emergency with legal immunity for both the victim and the helper. If you see a situation that seems like it may be heading in a direction of sexual violence, intervene in a way that keeps you and your friend safe.
####7. Download apps for unsafe situations####
_Circle of 6_
Circle of 6 is an app that, according to their website, was originally designed for college students to prevent sexual violence. You choose a circle of six friends that the app helps you to communicate with. There are three options: the pin icon sends your GPS coordinates and requests for someone in the circle to come get you; the phone icon requests that someone in the circle calls you to create an interruption; the chat icon sends a signal that you need to talk to one of the people in your circle.
_Drunk Mode_
The Drunk Mode app ensures you won’t regret sending texts while inebriated. It has an option to block phone contacts for 12 hours. In addition, Drunk Mode acts as a safety net by connecting your GPS with that of your friends. This allows you to feel safe and assured that you can still look everyone in your contacts in the eye.
_Edited by Alexandra Sharp | asharp@themaneater.com_
