Even though Halloween was yesterday, the festivities are sure to extend all weekend in Storrs. Halloween is a particularly exciting event for many college students. It provides a much-needed break in the midst of a busy semester and allows you to dress up and go out with friends. It can also be great for our mental health to enjoy a holiday spending time with our friends instead of our families. However, it is very important to remember how to keep yourself safe on a night out. Below are some tips to help guide you through your Halloweekend. Wishing you more treats than tricks this Halloween!
Drink Wisely
If you’re going to be drinking this Halloween, it’s important to pace yourself and to know your limits. It’s generally recommended to follow the “one-in-one” rule, which is when you have one drink per hour. Another method of pacing yourself is ordering drinks with ice. It can be useful to have a friend cut you off at a certain point or ask the bartender to close your tab once you’ve ordered a certain number of drinks. Never leave your drink unattended and try to keep it covered in larger crowds. It’s best to just throw it out if you notice anything different about the appearance or taste of the drink.
Buddy System
Sticking with your friends is the best way to have a great time, while also staying safe. Make a pact with your friends to arrive and leave the event together and use a group chat to keep in touch throughout the night. Check in with each other, and make sure you’re all drinking water. The night will be way more fun sticking with your friends anyway.
Call A Ride
When in doubt, the best choice is to call a ride home at the end of the night. Never get behind the wheel — it could cost you and potentially others their lives. You can use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft with your friends to make sure you get home safely or call a sober friend for a ride. If you’re walking back to campus, always bring a buddy and use a digital map to avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere. Otherwise, it will feel like a real-life horror movie!
Keep it Comfortable
Choosing a comfortable costume can mean the difference between a fun night, or a truly terrifying one. Make sure your costume doesn’t have any large attachments or pieces that may break off during the night. Avoid heels if you plan to be on your feet for a while and bring a jacket if you’ll be outside.
Have Fun!
Most importantly, remember to have fun. Halloweekend is one of the best times of the semester and gives many students a chance to take a break from the stress and monotony of their academic lives. Whether you are enjoying a night out with friends or staying in for a relaxing evening, I hope you have the best Halloweekend!