Party smarter: 7 tips for navigating parties

During your time at CU, you may find yourself at social events or parties that have alcohol or other substances. This guide offers practical tips and advice to help you navigate parties and stay safe.  

1. Choose your own adventure 

It's easy to assume that everyone drinks in college. However, it’s important to know that this stereotype doesn’t hold true. You know better than anyone what fun means to you. That’s why it’s important for you to actively choose to have the experience that you want. 

If you choose not to drink or use substances, that’s okay. This doesn’t mean you have to miss out on social events or parties either. In fact, 96% of surveyed CU Boulder students support not drinking at parties.  

2. Set limits 

Limits aren’t just about how many drinks you have or substances you use. They can include a variety of strategies that can help you have wanted experiences and avoid unwanted experiences. Here are a few examples of limits you may set for yourself: 

• Social circle: Alcohol or other drug use can make anyone more vulnerable to unwanted experiences. If you’re invited out, be thoughtful about who you choose to surround yourself with. Choose people you trust and who will look out for you. Try to make a plan before you go out together. For instance, you may want to ensure everyone is on the same page about sticking together or helping each other get home safely. This can be particularly important if you are new to campus and haven’t formed close relationships yet. 
• Types of parties: What kinds of parties do you want to attend? In some cases, you may not be willing to go to large gatherings or participate in ‘party-hopping.’ Let your group know if you aren’t comfortable or want to find a different party to go to. 
• Party duration: Knowing when it’s time to leave can help ensure that you maintain control over your night. If you’re ready to go, make a plan with your group to ensure everyone makes it home safely and nobody gets left behind.  
• Frequency: Parties are common, especially on the weekends. Setting limits around how often you drink, use substances or attend parties can help ensure that you don’t go overboard. Consider limiting the number of events you attend each week or month. This can help you avoid burnout and potential impacts in other areas of your life, like academic performance, extracurriculars and relationships.  
• Number of drinks: This is one of the most common limits people set for themselves. Keep in mind that substances affect everyone differently and knowing your limit is a learning process. Your limit may look different from those around you, and that’s okay. If you’re not sure what your limit is, start small. For instance, you can take a break between drinks to see how they make you feel before having more. Consider enlisting a friend to help you stick to a limit that works for you or let you know when they think you’ve had enough. 

3. Master the art of saying “I'm good, thanks” 

Whether you’re trying to avoid peer pressure or leave a party, it’s important to have some strategies under your belt. Consider potential exit strategies before you go out so you’re better prepared to use them. Here are some examples you can use: 

Remember that your friends should always respect your decisions to slow down, stop or leave. If you’re feeling pressured by members of your group, consider seeking out another person you know to help you out of the situation.   

4. Stick to one substance at a time 

Using more than one substance at a time, including alcohol, medication or other drugs, can increase your risk of experiencing an overdose. The interactions between substances are often unpredictable and may impact you more than others. That’s why it’s important to stick to one substance at a time.  

5. Be prepared for emergencies 

Sometimes things can go badly or take an unexpected turn. This can include a person experiencing alcohol poisoning or an accidental overdose at a party. Knowing how to respond and get the person help can save their life.    

If an emergency situation unfolds, here’s what you can do:  

6. Look out for others 

The reality is that most sexual assaults are carried out by friends, acquaintances, partners, exes or by a person someone has met online or at a party. Pushing substances onto someone or pursuing someone who is intoxicated can be a common tactic for committing sexual assault.  

If you’re at a party or out with friends, it’s important to keep an eye out for sketchy situations that may indicate that someone is trying to take advantage of another person through the use of alcohol or other drugs.  

Watch out for someone who is:  

• Coercing or pressuring someone to consume more alcohol or drugs than they are comfortable with.  
• Initiating sexual contact with someone because they are intoxicated and less likely to resist.  
• Isolating someone who has had too much to drink or is having a negative drug experience.  
• Not telling someone what is in their drink or the type of dosage of drug they are ingesting.  

If you notice these signs, be prepared to intervene or interrupt, even if you aren’t sure you're reading the situation correctly. You may need to help reconnect them with trusted friends or enlist others to help ensure they can get home safely.  

Learn more about drug-facilitated sexual assault 

7. Have fun 

College can be a stressful time, and it’s important to take time to have some fun. Practicing these strategies can help you stay safe and enjoy your night out.