Orientation week is a great time for making new friends, trying out new societies and basking in the knowledge that you many years of student discount offers ahead of you. It’s also a time that is synonymous with downing outrageous amounts of alcohol and at some point or another, you may find yourself in the middle of a chanting crowd, under an enormous amount of pressure to chug a litre of some questionable beverage. For some people, this is the epitome of good times and bants that comes with uni life. For others, it’s their worst nightmare. However you decide to approach OWeek, make sure to look after yourself. To give you head start on that, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you stay safe during the festivities.

Buddy up

Find a buddy. And not just any buddy - a responsible buddy. This person might take the form of a student union rep, an OWeek coordinator or just that person who moved in across the hall that wears Crocs. Anyone who chooses a shoe that sensible surely has to have some level of accountability about them. Whoever you end up choosing, make a pact that you will look out for each other throughout the week. If one of you fails to make it home, don’t assume the other has pulled or kicked on. Make sure of it. Whether it’s a quick text or call, it’s reassuring to know that someone has your back. Especially if they’re there to rub it while you throw up onto your shoes.

Know Your Surroundings

Take some time to get to know your new environment. Familiarise yourself with the safest routes home, taking note of pathways and roads that tend to be busy and well lit, especially late at night. If you’re heading home late in the evening, try to find a mate to walk with or take a cab. On that note, make sure the cab you use is actually a cab. Either call one to pick you up or use an app on your phone. Don’t just jump into some bloke’s car on the street. It’s literally just that – some bloke’s car and there’s no way to verify if the driver or the cab is legit. It’s not worth taking the risk.

Moderate the “Prinks”

Now that you’re a poor starving student, it can very tempting to start the evening with pre-drinks. Or as they’re better known by anyone born after 1998, “prinks” - an amalgamation so awful no one over the age of 18 will actually acknowledge its existence. Anyway. Before you head off to some God-awful nightclub that will become your second home for the next four years, you will be tempted to start the night early. Too early, perhaps. Try to moderate the amount of alcohol that you consume before you even leave the house. There’s nothing worse than getting yourself pumped for a big night only to be told by some burly bouncer that you’re too boozed to be let in the front door. Don’t be that person. That person is minus fun. And they’re also a liability.

Eat something. Anything.

Contrary to belief, eating isn’t cheating. Although you will probably hear and repeat this mantra many times during OWeek, you don’t have to live it. Do yourself a favour; eat a bowl of pasta, order a pizza, drink a pint of milk. Do whatever it takes to line your stomach. You can even take on the role of temporary responsible adult by ordering some snacks for the table if people are starting to get glazed gaze. If one eye is looking at you and one eye is looking for you – that person should probably have a burger. And a glass of water. Maybe two.

Watch your belongings

Keep an eye on your belongings, especially your drink, and don’t leave it unattended. If you have left your drink for a while, you’re better off playing it safe and buying a new one. It’s OWeek – drinks are about $2 a measure! Take the hit and buy yourself a beverage that you know is safe to consume. Hell, they’re $2 – buy five!

Experimentation

University is pretty much three or four years of experimentation. Mixing up your social circle, questioning your beliefs and figuring out the values that are important to you are all various kinds of positive experimentation that you will no doubt partake in. And while that’s super exciting, there can be some dodgy stuff too. If you’re feeling in doubt, leave it out. It might feel like there’s a lot of peer pressure but there’s also the freedom to say no. Uni is the perfect time to shy away from the status quo without feeling you’re going to be socially segregated because of it. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a situation that makes you uncomfortable. It’s better to say no now, than regret it later.