As midterms come to a close, UCA’s homecoming week, Oct. 23-29, approaches shortly after.
Homecoming week is filled with fun activities, traditions, parties, tailgating and, of course, the big homecoming football game.
As a college freshman, you may not know what to expect for your first college homecoming, as it is extremely different from the traditional high school homecoming that you are used to.
College homecomings are not the adult-supervised party in your decorated high school gym. College homecomings are not just your student body. There are all sorts of people around you who you may never see again. Here are five tips to help you stay safe and enjoy your first college homecoming.
-
Keep your phone charged and near you at all times.
Homecoming events can last for hours. You want to be sure that you have a form of communication in case of an emergency. You also want to take pictures and capture the moment of your first college homecoming! Keep your phone in low-power mode throughout the events to preserve battery.
-
Stay hydrated and take breaks.
Homecoming involves you being active. There are lots of parties involved, on-campus activities and the big game. There is no doubt you will walk, dance and shout more than usual to show your Bear pride. Be sure to drink a lot of water and take breaks in between each activity.
-
Don’t be afraid to say no.
I would be lying if I said there was no alcohol involved at a college homecoming. People often pass out drinks at homecoming festivities. You do not know what is in these drinks. Don’t be afraid to say no. Do not feel pressured to take the drink, let alone drink it. To keep you and your friends safe from drink spiking, avoid drinking anything that you did not pour yourself.
-
Do not walk alone. Always have a friend with you.
As mentioned earlier, homecoming is not just your student body. People from off-campus come to enjoy homecoming, so you never know who you are walking among. Always have a friend with you when walking at the festivities.
-
Lastly, have fun!
Even though there are things you have to keep in mind while attending homecoming, you can still have fun and make great memories. Just be cautious and make responsible decisions. Homecoming is so much fun. It is a great time to meet new people, start traditions and overall celebrate the fact you are in college!