New to College? Here's the Truth About Drinking

It’s time for some real talk. Underage drinking happens at college all the time. I did it as a freshman and so did about 99% of my friends at the time. It would be an outright lie to say I didn’t and downright hypocritical to chastise freshmen today for doing it. It’s always going to happen. Yes, everybody knows underage drinking is illegal, but that’s not what this article is about and nor is being underage going to stop someone from drinking. This article is about how to keep safe if you choose to partake in events where alcohol is present. Let it be clear, I am not promoting underage drinking. Rather, these are tips for people new to drinking and college party culture and reminders for you upperclassmen. As a senior at one of the top party schools in the nation, I’ve seen and participated in more than a few alcohol-fueled events over the years, so reader, consider the tips below an honest look at drinking based on my experiences.

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1. Go Out With A Group
If you’re heading out to a party where you don’t know anybody try to not go alone. Always take a least one friend. It may sound cheesy, but there really is safety in numbers. Robbers and assailants usually go for isolated victims and not large groups of people.

2. Drink Water, Keep Hydrated
For the love of all that is holy, make sure you drink numerous glasses of water when you drink. Your hangover will be lighter and not as head pounding in the morning.

3. Transportation
Never drink and drive. Ever. I know this might sound obvious, but DUIs and DWIs are more serious than you can ever imagine, as is killing another person with your automobile. Do not take this lightly. If you need to, sleep on someone’s couch (that you trust and know) and then go home in the morning. Also, see if your university offers a night time trolley or safe bus.  These late-night vehicles offer a safe alternative to getting around town from party to party. Again though, take a friend. These types of transportation usually are transporting around a bunch of drunk people, and not all of them might have good intentions.

4. Drinks and Strangers
Watch your cup at all times. It is all too easy for someone to slip something into an unattended drink. I’m not going to get into a serious conversation about rape, but it happens and people should take measures to protect themselves when drinking. Make your own drinks or intently watch the person who is making your drink, that way you’ll know what and how much alcohol is going into your drink. On another note, trust your gut. If you’re out and having a good time and you a get creepy or sinister vibe from somebody at the bar or a party stay away from that person or leave. If you feel uncomfortable, it’s probably for a reason. Lastly, it’s not good idea to share drinks, even with friends. That’s how colds and germs get spread. Gross.

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5. Alcohol Itself
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, a standard drink is as follows: “A standard drink is equal to 14.0 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure alcohol is found in 12-ounces of beer, 8-ounces of malt liquor,5-ounces of wine, and 1.5-ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, or whiskey). It is the amount of alcohol consumed that affects a person most, not the type of alcoholic drink.”   However, with that being said, at any party I’ve been to this is never acknowledged or followed. Drinks are filled up multiple times and accurately measuring alcohol (especially in mixed-drinks with liquor) is rarely, if ever done.

In short, don’t be an idiot. You aren’t any cooler or tougher for being able to take a more shots or drink more than anybody else. Know your limits, look out for yourself and your friends, and listen to the saying you’ve probably heard a million times: Drink Responsibly.

Disclaimer: This piece is not promoting underage drinking. None of this information should be taken as fact as this article is purely an opinion piece. Any actions taken after reading this article are of the reader’s own volition and are no fault of the author.