Five tips for an unforgettable homecoming

It’s Homecoming here at MNSU, and with it comes a week full of different festivities celebrating the university and Maverick Pride.

If you plan on going out to celebrate this weekend, here are five tips to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time this Homecoming.

Know your limits

Because Homecoming is such a fun and festive time, it’s often quite easy to forget your limits and to push yourself too far. This is especially true if you’re over 21 and plan on having a few drinks to celebrate this weekend.

If you do plan on drinking, count your drinks and don’t push yourself to do more than you can handle. Make sure to eat something before you start drinking (and also between drinks), and always bring or prepare your own drinks to ensure your own safety as well as the safety of those around you.

Knowing your limits goes beyond the party scene as well. If you feel as though friends are pressuring you to come to a party, don’t hesitate to kindly say no. Respect yourself and don’t feel bad if you choose to stay home.

Commemorate the event

Whether this is your first Homecoming or last, take pictures! In years to come, photos will be a great memory as you look back to the homecoming parade, football game, etc.

However, just because you take the photo doesn’t mean you need to post it. Be careful of what you post on your social media. Don’t forget that friends, family and possibly future employers could be viewing your pages.

Designate a sober driver

This should be common sense to most of us, but it’s worth repeating: don’t drink and drive or attempt to drive home while intoxicated. It’s a well-known fact that alcohol impairs your judgment, so be sure to designate a sober driver before you head-out for a night on the town. This was everyone can be safe on the roads this Homecoming.

If you cannot find a sober rise, don’t forget about the cab system. Most cab rides around Mankato range from $8-$15, and with a friend or two, your safe ride becomes very affordable.

Use the buddy system

For the most part, Mankato is a pretty safe place to live, but that doesn’t mean you should go out celebrating without some caution. Every year, Homecoming brings quite a crowd to the downtown scene, so if you go out, be sure to bring a friend you feel comfortable with. At the very least, you’ll be able to ensure your own safety as well that of those around you.

Remember to respect the community

Mankato may be home to many of us college students, we aren’t the only demographic here. While it’s important to have some fun during Homecoming, it’s unacceptable to do so at the expense of the residents and families who also call this city home.

Be considerate of other peoples’ property and respect their privacy; trespassing and vandalism are never okay, no matter what the excuse.

These are just a few of the things you can do to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable celebration this weekend. Happy Homecoming!