Society has seemingly accepted alcohol as an integral part of college culture. Some even glorify overdrinking and view it as a university rite of passage. In dorms, at parties and during other college social events, liquor is seen flowing into plastic cups like endless waterfalls.
This imagery is especially evident during campus celebrations like homecoming. Over the weekend, students usually have planned pre-game and tailgate parties, which occur immediately before the homecoming football game.
Everyone usually seems to be having a good time, until they’re not.
With homecoming celebrations in full swing, here are some crucial binge drinking tips. Keep them in mind, especially if you don’t want to be the one who ruins homecoming for your friends.
Know your limits
No one wants to remember this year’s homecoming celebration as the time you puked in the Uber on the way back home, unintentionally causing your friends to have to take care of the hefty fine.
While it may seem amusing to draw attention by theatrically chugging a drink, knowing your limits is critical. Safety should always take priority over the validation of peers.
Surround yourself with friends who also value responsible drinking. If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, find a trusted friend and leave the situation as quickly as possible.
Be aware of your surroundings
Practicing safe drinking habits includes keeping your drink covered and within sight at all times. Leaving a drink unattended creates the risk that someone could tamper with it. Being drugged can lead to unconsciousness, hospitalization or even death.
Sexual assault is, unfortunately, a common concern among college students. While it can occur at any time and to anyone—and is not always directly connected to alcohol—the likelihood increases when alcohol is involved.
A 2017 study conducted by the University of Texas System gathered data from academic institutions across the state, estimating that alcohol was involved in 50 to 77 percent of sexual assaults by one or both parties. These statistics highlight the importance of remaining vigilant and limiting alcohol consumption to what you can manage.
The study also found that up to 90 percent of sexual assaults on college campuses were not formally reported to law enforcement, but instead disclosed to a roommate or faculty member. The most common reason victims gave for not reporting was self-blame for drinking.
Stand in solidarity with victims and uplift their voices in moments of self-doubt. To report sexual misconduct, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Services. Reports may also be filed anonymously online, by phone or by email.
This is not meant to discourage you from having fun, but rather to provide information that could help protect you or someone you know from a dangerous situation.
Use your free will responsibly
College presents the opportunity to take risks and try new things. It comes with a freedom that you may not have had in your adolescent years, but it is still important to use this freedom responsibly.
The vast majority of university students are young adults trying to navigate the world around them on their own for the first time. Responsible drinking just creates a safe environment for yourself and those around you as you all navigate and explore college life freely.
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