Squad goals: 4 ways to look out for each other
Whether you're heading to a house party, concert, game day celebration or downtown with friends, looking out for each other is one of the easiest ways to help everyone have a good time and get home safely.
At CU Boulder, Buffs look out for Buffs. Whether you're with your roommates, classmates or people you just met, small actions—like checking in, trusting your instincts and helping someone who needs it—can make a big difference.
You don't need a complicated plan. A few simple habits before, during and after a night out can make a big difference.
1. Make a game plan before you go
A little planning goes a long way.
Know the plan. Before you head out, make sure everyone knows where you're going, who you're with and how you're getting home. If plans change, keep everyone in the loop so no one gets left wondering where the group went.
Stick together when you can. You don't have to spend every minute side by side, but agree on how you'll reconnect if you get separated. Having a plan can keep someone from ending up alone or relying on people they don't know well to get home.
Stay connected. Start a group chat, make sure your phone is charged and check in with each other throughout the night—especially if someone leaves the group, heads to another location or decides to head home early.
Share your location if you're comfortable. Features like location sharing or dropping a pin can make it much easier to reconnect in a crowded venue or if plans change unexpectedly. Just remember to turn location sharing off later if you no longer want to share it.
2. Check in on each other
Looking out for each other means paying attention—not just to your friends, but to the people around you. If someone seems overwhelmed, lost, uncomfortable or suddenly isn't acting like themselves, check in. A simple "Hey, you okay?" can make a bigger difference than you realize.
If alcohol or other substances are part of the night, help each other recognize when it's time to slow down, grab some water or head home. If someone seems much more impaired than expected, take it seriously and help them get somewhere safe. Friends can also help each other avoid situations that could put someone at greater risk, like wandering off alone or getting separated from the group.
Keep in mind that alcohol and other substances can affect people differently depending on factors like stress, sleep, medications, what they've eaten and even being in a new environment. If someone is difficult to wake up, can't stay conscious, is vomiting repeatedly or you're concerned they may have alcohol poisoning or another medical emergency, call 911 right away. If you have naloxone, use it if an opioid overdose is possible—even if you're not sure whether the person used opioids. Naloxone won't harm someone if opioids aren't involved. CU’s Amnesty Policy and Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law can protect you from disciplinary action or prosecution if you call for help and stay with the person.
3. Trust your instincts and speak up
If something feels off, trust your gut.
Watch for situations where someone appears uncomfortable, is being pressured, or is too impaired to make decisions or communicate what they want. Someone may need help if another person is trying to isolate them from their friends, won't take "no" for an answer or is encouraging them to keep drinking or leave with them.
You don't have to handle every situation on your own. Sometimes helping is as simple as:
- Asking your friend if they're okay.
- Joining the conversation so they're not alone.
- Suggesting it's time to head somewhere else.
- Using a code word, emoji or text your group has agreed on to signal, "Help me out."
- Getting help from friends, event staff, security or emergency services if someone is in immediate danger.
Remember: someone who is highly impaired or incapacitated may not be able to protect themselves or ask for help. Looking out for each other can make all the difference.
4. Make getting home part of the plan
Before the night starts, decide how you'll get home and who you'll check in with when you arrive. If someone wants to leave early or their plans change, make sure someone knows where they're going.
If a friend isn't in a condition to get home safely on their own, stay with them and help them find a safe ride. Never leave someone behind with people they just met because it's more convenient.
Need a ride? CU NightRide is a free nighttime transportation service for CU Boulder students, faculty and staff. You can also use a rideshare or other trusted transportation option if that's the safest choice.
Great nights start with looking out for each other
College is full of opportunities to make memories, try new things and meet new people. Looking out for each other doesn't make the night less fun—it helps make sure everyone gets to enjoy it.
Whether you're checking in on a roommate, helping someone who seems uncomfortable or making sure everyone gets home safely, small actions can have a big impact. That's what it means when Buffs look out for Buffs.
Want more tips for making informed decisions about alcohol and other substances? Check out our party smart tips for practical strategies to help you stay safer during a night out.