Staying Safe at the #1 Party School in America
Your guide to navigating the Syracuse party life
by LAURA KURUVILLA ★ NOVEMBER 7, 2019
Going out and having fun with friends can be a big part of the college experience. In fact, The Princeton Review named Syracuse University the #1 party school for 2019! However, while going out and partying is fun and exciting, it is also so important to stay safe. Here are five things to remember when engaging in party life!
Campus resources:
There are plenty of easy-access resources at Syracuse University to help prevent emergencies. The 24 hour DPS hotline can be called at 315-443-2224. There is also the LiveSafe App that you can download onto your phone. This app allows you to contact DPS, view a map of campus, and use “SafeWalk,” which allows you to share your location with friends.
There is also Orange ALERT, which informs SU students about a crisis via text message. There are also two new shuttles that work from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. On top of that, there are five trained security guards located around Euclid Avenue, Walnut Park, and Marshall Street who ensure student safety and can escort you home if needed.
Also, if you ever need to talk to an official about any form of sexual assault that has happened while here at SU, contact Title IX Compliance Officer/Sexual Harassment Officer, Sheila Johnson-Willis at 315-443-0211.
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Be aware of your surroundings:
Whenever you are going out, make sure you know exactly where you are going, who you are going with, and if you have a plan B. When wandering around campus, make sure you are always aware of where you are.
Things happen, and you sometimes can’t plan for all of it, but it is important that you have a plan for when things go awry. And if you truly need help, call DPS at 315-443-2224.
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Stick with your people:
The people you surround yourself with when you go out are one of the primary sources that are going to ensure your safety. This is why you should be very comfortable with these people and trust them. Going out alone can be very dangerous and is not recommended.
One good tip for staying informed on your night out is making a group chat with the people you are with and checking in constantly. Communication is key!
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Comfort is key:
The way you feel on a night out should be primary. If you don’t feel comfortable, it’s okay to bend the truth to get out of an awkward situation. If you don’t feel safe enough to walk home alone, DPS has a free shuttle service that works from the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
A good tip to remember is finding another person that is willing to stick with you regardless of what happens in the night. Just don’t forget that your safety should always come first.
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Know your limits:
Understanding your limits is very important when it comes to going out. You should always know what you are drinking, tracking how much you consume, and how frequently. It is always better to be on the safe side.
Also, try not to let peer pressure make you do things you don’t want to do. One good tip is to always have a hand on your drink and don’t let others serve you. Self-awareness is very important.
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Navigating life at a big party school can be overwhelming and scary, but if you know more about the resources at SU and other tips on how to stay safe, then it won’t seem that daunting.