The biggest problem is that many college students are rookies and to sum it up, just DON’T know how to party.

Going out to party is not a problem; after all, we’re all college students. We look forward to our weekends because they keep us from going insane after a full week of school work.

While everyone needs time to blow off steam, partying can easily go from fun to dangerous very quickly.

We all have friends who have a lower tolerance than others who need to be “babysat” or carried out of the house every once in a while (or every weekend for some).

Then there are friends who get amnesia when they drink and run off with strangers or walk around aimlessly by themselves. These friends tend to not answer their phones and you find them at a random party with people you don’t know.

If we are talking about you, maybe you should consider your partying habits and adjust your weekend lifestyle.

The first step to safely partying is being able to admit that you do not know how to handle yourself or your liquor. As soon as you realize your limits, you can begin to party in a safe, rather than dangerous way.

Lucky for you, there are things you can keep in mind in order to party with your friends so that EVERYONE can have a good time while remaining safe.

Step 1: Pick the party and the crowd wisely.

Because you are a beginner at partying safely, you may not be able to change your ways over night. Start by taking steps toward making a change this weekend.

Go out with a group of friends who you trust, are reliable and won’t pressure you to drink a lot.

Always have a friend with you who doesn’t normally drink so they can be the designated driver.

You should never drive while under the influence (or get in the car with someone who is). Not only are you putting your life in jeopardy, but you are also risking the lives of other drivers or pedestrians on the road.

Go out with people who will be able to keep an eye on you if something goes wrong, or people who are more responsible than YOU!

Step 2: Eat before you go out.

This is very important and many people fail to realize how crucial this is to your SAFETY. Many people harm their bodies massively because they were drinking on an empty stomach.

According to HangoverNetwork.com certain foods such as bread, dairy and foods high in fat and protein will coat your stomach which helps prevent nausea, stomach aches, or vomiting. If you eat before going out, this will greatly reduce your risk of getting sick or having alcohol poisoning.

Step 3: Don’t trust strangers!

This is particularly important for women; I’m not saying that men don’t find themselves in bad situations, but women tend to believe people more easily when they are drunk and may end up getting themselves into a situation they will later regret.

It is important to always tell a friend where you are going and whom you are going with, otherwise you run the risk of being assaulted or stranded somewhere alone.

You should always think about your safety!

If a sketchy guy offers you a drink, don’t take it. If you are running low on cash and you can’t afford your own drink, walk with the gentlemen to the bar and WATCH as they pour your drink into the cup and let YOUR hand be the first to touch it.

NEVER assume a man would never drug you because it has happened to many women before you and it will happen to many after you as well. College is a breeding ground for drugs and roofies are no exception.

Step 4: Trust your instincts.

If you are placed in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, speak up! You should never allow yourself to be stuck in a foreign place that makes you scared for your well-being. Always have your cell phone on you at all times so you can call for a ride or a friend if you need one.

This also goes hand-in-hand with trusting the people you are with because real friends will not allow you to be taken advantage of or leave you alone at a party with people you don’t know. Always keep that in mind.

Step 5: Plan ahead!

Last but not least, plan ahead! Speak with your trustworthy crowd of friends and come up with a plan just in case something unexpected happens. For instance, if you lost each other at the party, where and when would you meet?

You should ALWAYS have a plan!

Never stop educating yourself on this situation. If you enjoy drinking and partying, that is fine, but make sure you are informed about whatever you are getting yourself into before doing it.

In peace, love and happiness

BIANCA