The Lowdown on Today's College Party

It seems safe to say that practically every college around the country has a party scene, whether it be fraternity houses, off-campus apartments, or random lawns around the school. The "college party" carries a sense of myth and legend about it: guys go to parties thinking they'll get lucky; girls go to parties to get out and be seen. And while these parties can be a lot of fun on occasion, some of them are often uncomfortable and unsafe, with guys trying to prey on girls who are intoxicated and people drinking themselves sick. Here's the lowdown on the not so glamorous side of partying.

At parties, many students plan on and do get hammered. Others don't know their tolerance and get drunk without knowing it. If you're sober, don't be quick to pass judgment on those who get drunk. Most of the time, they simply don't realize they have a low tolerance and lose control before they're aware of the alcohol's effects. It's helpful to meet with your friends before the party to talk about leaving together and looking out for one another.

It tends to be difficult for guys to get into parties, unless they know the hosts. Guys either have to bring several girls with them to be admitted, or they need to pay a fee determined by the hosts (this can be anywhere from $5 to $20). It's definitely a sick system if you think about it, but one that can't truly be controlled by the school administration.

If there's any pearl of advice I can offer you, it's this: Do not drink and party inside a dorm room. Sure, some RAs (resident assistants) could care less, but most of the time, getting caught with alcohol will land you in a deep hole. I saw numerous students get expelled from university housing for repeated alcohol violations, not to mention a couple who went to the hospital for alcohol poisoning. Not too fun.

Ultimately, anything involving alcohol and parties in college will demand a certain level of responsibility. By no means am I telling you not to drink, but I am suggesting you be smart about what situations you put yourself in. You don't want to be at the wrong place at wrong time, nor do you want to get sick from drinking too much. Use your brain and you'll be bound to have an incredible four years-hangover-free.