8 Ways to Keep Your Friends Safe During Homecoming

Fall is finally here! Time for crisp air, cozy sweaters, and of course, pumpkin flavored everything. But for many of us, the season doesn’t feel like it’s in full swing until the excitement of homecoming weekend sets in. This back-to-school tradition is all about celebrating new friends, welcoming new experiences, and showing off your school pride. Whether you’re getting ready to make moves on the dance floor or cheer on your team at the big game, homecoming should be super fun and inclusive for everyone on campus.

There’s nothing wrong with a little partying, but it’s so important to remember to party smart. This means keeping an eye on your best friends -- and even looking out for classmates you aren’t as close with. Here are a few tips to help make sure everyone gets to experience homecoming in a safe, positive way.

1. Find a safe ride to help you arrive in style.

If your version of homecoming celebrations involve drinking, be sure to have at least one person in your group stay sober for a safe ride home. Having a designated driver is crucial, not only for the safety of your friends but also for everyone else out on the roads. Or if none of your crew has a car on campus, download a rideshare app like Lyft or Uber to get you to the party in one piece. Another great tip: set up a designated driver rotation in your friend group so the responsibility can be shared evenly throughout the year!

2. Keep your drinks close at all times.

In the last few years, the topic of sexual assault on campus has seen a huge spike in attention. And for good reason: According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 11.2% of all college students have reported or experienced some type of assault on campus. The issue is so pervasive that some young people have taken matters into their own hands, creating straws and nail polish that can detect common forms of date rape drugs.

If you’re at a house party or a bar, make sure you or people you trust have eyes on your drink at all times, regardless of whether you’re drinking alcohol. Never drink from a cup you’ve lost sight of and never accept an open drink from a stranger. Homecoming is all about celebrating community, so do your part to keep yours safe.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, do not hesitate to reach out to organizations like RAINN for support, or check in with your school’s counseling services. Additional resources can be found at the bottom of this page.

3. Know your limits, and don’t be afraid to say no.

We all have memories of those cheesy “Just Say No” after-school-specials, and let’s face it, some of us never really took them seriously. Though the delivery was less than spectacular, the message is so important. Peer pressure takes many forms -- it can even be as subtle as a friend asking you if you want another drink. Saying “no” when you’ve had enough doesn’t make you a party pooper. And if drinking games aren’t your thing, cheer on your friends from the sidelines! Everything is best in moderation.

4. Use the buddy system when it’s time to go.

No matter if your campus is urban or rural, it’s never a good idea to walk alone at night -- especially if alcohol is part of the equation. Make sure you go out in a group and check in throughout the night to make sure everyone is accounted for. Have a group chat running, and even if your friends get separated at some point, find one or two pals you know will be ready to leave when you are. You’re never too old to use the buddy system!

5. Know the basics of consent (namely, that it’s required).

It really sucks that there are still people who struggle with the idea that only yes means yes. In the era of #MeToo and Time’s Up, discussions about consent have expanded into all areas of our culture. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to obtaining and providing consent. But the most basic thing we can all remember is that consent should always be enthusiastic, verbal, and reciprocated.

It’s important to recognize that consent may look or sound different to others, so always err on the side of caution. Communicate clearly and be considerate of your partner’s needs.

6. Look for signs of an abusive relationship.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell when a relationship goes from affectionate and playful, to controlling and potentially dangerous. If you or a friend notice a partner being overly jealous, exhibiting controlling behavior, or invading personal privacy, it might be time to seek help from an outside source. Learn how to spot the signs of dating abuse, and how to encourage healthy relationships in your own dating life or in a friend’s.

7. Keep your phone charged and nearby.

You don’t have to bring a charger to the party or anything, but it’s always a good idea to make sure you or someone in your group has a fully charged phone. More important than posting to Snapchat or Instagram is having a reliable method of communication in case of emergency. And if you remember tip #1, your phone could be the key to your safe ride home! Turn on low power mode to ensure a longer battery life while you’re out.

8. Never be afraid to ask for help.

At the end of the day, homecoming is about supporting and appreciating your school community. If you’re there for them, they’ll be there for you too. Wherever you are and however you celebrate, don’t be intimidated to ask for help if you feel uncomfortable or if you see someone else in a difficult situation. Talk to a trusted friend, find a nearby adult, chaperone, or security guard, or call your RA on duty. No one is going to judge you for taking care of yourself.

Additional Resources:

National Sexual Assault Hotline: call (800) 656-4673 or chat online

loveisrespect (dating abuse hotline for young people): Call (866) 331-9474, text LOVEIS to 22522, or chat online

Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741

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