College Party

The college party is an iconic part of the college experience, immortalized in movies like Animal House and absorbing the weekends of students everywhere.

Sorority girls often have access to the best college parties.

You'll need to travel off-campus to find most parties because the confined living space and regulations of dorms aren't really conducive to partying. Some of the biggest parties at any college are those hosted by fraternities and sororities, but you're going to need an invitation to get in. The best way to find out about parties is to keep a wide circle of friends and keep an ear open for the latest news. Some college students swear by walking around student neighborhoods until they find a party, and then they just go right in. Others start out at one party they're invited to, and ask everyone there where the big parties are that night. Be careful you don't get so worried about where to find the next party, though, you never take the time to enjoy the one you're currently attending.

While gatherings of friends happen spontaneously in college, a true party requires some planning and advance notice.

First, consider the date of your party. Do you want to celebrate something, like Halloween or the end of finals week? Or do you want to liven up a boring weekend when nothing else is going on? Once you've picked a date, start spreading the word to everyone you know.

What activities will you have at your party? If you want to have dancing, figure out whether you have the room, and start gathering CDs and MP3s to create your best dance party mix. Do you have a pool table or air hockey game people can play? Will there be a game on? Should you plan for some drinking games like flip cup and beer pong? Think of these questions ahead of time, so you're not stretching for ideas once the guests arrive.

A theme can add interest to a party. You can go with a tried-and-true classic like a toga party, or get creative and come up with your own unique idea.

Beer is the most common drink at a college party. A keg is usually the easiest way to provide beer to a large group of people. Liquor and mixed drinks can get expensive, but they're certainly a popular option. Remember to have pop and water readily available for the designated drivers and non-drinkers in the group.

Whether you should provide food will depend on the type of party you're having. If it's a laid-back gathering with lots of friends sitting around and watching the game, then you may all want to chip in for pizza. If you're hosting the kegger of the year, a few bowls of chips and pretzels should keep everyone happy, because they'll be more concerned with beverages than food.

Before planning a party, make sure you're aware of potential problems. Do the rules of your neighborhood or apartment complex allow you to throw parties? What will you do to avoid getting into trouble with the local police for noise violations or providing alcohol to a minor? You also may be liable if someone gets injured while attending your party or is harmed afterwards as a result of intoxication. Parties can be great fun, but hosting one is also a responsibility.

• If you're driving to a party, always use a designated driver. A night of fun is never worth risking your life. Bring enough money with you to be able to call a taxi if you can't find a sober driver.
• Know the signs of alcohol poisoning. If you suspect alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately. Don't worry about getting in trouble with the police; your friend's life could depend on your quick action.
• Don't accept a drink in an open container or cup if you didn't see it opened or filled. It's too easy for someone to slip a date rape drug into your drink.
• Go to parties in groups, never leave a friend behind, and don't let a friend go home with someone he or she doesn't know.

Concerned with underage drinking and dangerous behaviors, many colleges have taken steps to counteract the party culture. Public service announcements in the campus newspaper and posters in dorm bathrooms detail the dangers of binge drinking and date rape drugs. Freshman students who wish to avoid drinking may be offered a mentoring program or designated alcohol-free dorm. Campus events centers and student unions provide programming on Friday and Saturday nights to lure students away from the party scene. Options include everything from movie screenings to hypnotists to dance parties. Yet even with their best efforts, it's difficult to eliminate the classic college party completely.

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