The Dangers of the College Experience

College is a great time to make new friends, hit up tons of parties, and have a good time with your old pals. Not everyone realizes though that its very much like the real world: with real people and real dangers. Just like protecting yourself from normal hazards, you have to do the same at your college. You may feel independent now that you've moved away from your parents but that only gives you reason to be ten times more cautious. Some of the dangers that occur at college parties happen everyday in the United States and they happen to every race, every gender, and age. A lot of these crimes can be prevented by not getting drunk or high on drugs.

College parties involve drinking games, which can be fun but too often get out of hand. When everybody is drunk, there is no telling what could happen to you or your friends. Being hungover is no cup of tea either. Remember, stupid things can and will end up on the Internet or on every students' cell phone. Taking pictures or recordings is so easy and you may not even realize it if you're face down in your own vomit. Unfortunately, being drunk or high can also lead to sexual assault of both men and women. If you're so drunk that you can't even consent to sex, you've gone too far. The best way to prevent assault is to have a buddy watching your back. Make sure they're not drunk too, otherwise that person is in just as much danger as you are. To avoid all this, don't get super smashed drunk. Two or three beers is enough to get a buzz, which is all you need to feel good. Being drunk is not fun and the side effects are worse yet.

Even if you're completely sober, harm can be done to you. Guys can become pushy or even violent. If the guy hitting on you is not getting the hint that you're not interested, have one of your male pals pretend to be you're boyfriend for the moment. If the guy is grabbing you or pushing you, yell for help and I'm sure more than one person will come to your rescue.

You should also be weary of what your friends are getting themselves into. Is s/he performing dangerous stunts for the amusement of others? Then try talking some sense into their drunken head. Also, never leave a person behind. If you went to a party as a group, you leave as a group. An essential thing to have is a designated driver, even if you have to bribe them to do it.

Lastly, if things get too crazy, find a safe place or round up the troops and head outside.