Thursday, April 14, 2011

How to Survive Little 5

As everyone on campus knows, the Little 500 is a bike race that annually takes place in the end of April. It is a large, end-of-the-year event that echoes across campus for a full week. Though the bike race takes place on Saturday, the partying for the event begins the Friday of the prior week. Some people enjoy the week of partying, others find it irritating. I won't say which side I take, but will instead provide tips to survive the week whether you choose to party or do your own thing.

For Those Who Party
1. Be Safe: One of the most unfortunate parts of Little 5 is the lack of concern for one's health and welfare. If you want to party, that's fine, but do so safely. Have a designated driver, stay with friends who will watch your back and keep you from going home with a stranger, and know your own drinking limits.

2. Go to Class: Another of the ills of Little 5 is that many students tend to skip class. According to a poll at IDSnews.com, 26% of respondents said that they would not be attending any classes, and 32% stated that they would only attend a few classes. This, of course, irks professors, and they tend to take measures to punish students who do not attend. Giving out extra credit, giving an easy pop quiz, and showing students the answers to upcoming final questions are a few of the methods I have seen professors take.

3. Go to Class Sober: Some people think it's funny to attend class drunk. It's not. If you want to drink vodka out of a water bottle, do it outside of the classroom please.

For Those Who Do Not Party
1. Have fun!: You may not be interested in recreational drinking, but that does not mean that you cannot have any fun during Little 5 week. Get together with a group of friends and do something fun! Attend an on-campus festival like Collins Fest or Huge Fest, play some sports in the sunshine at Woodlawn Field or go get ice cream at the Chocolate Moose. Relax and ENJOY yourself a little bit. It's springtime, time to celebrate!

2. Be Safe: People do stupid things when they've been drinking and are more inclined to do things they would not do while sober. I'm not saying you're going to be attacked by a drunken mob, but you should still be aware of your surroundings. Also be careful when crossing streets, and try not to walk alone late at night.

3. Be Understanding: Partying may not be your favorite way of cutting loose, but for many college students (and maybe some of your friends) it is. While it can be frustrating to hear people screaming at 3 a.m. or watch someone stumble down the street at 4 p.m. on a Tuesday, do not be frustrated by the situation. Take the week to focus on yourself and things that you like to do, do not waste your time being irritated about situations you cannot change.

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