Students want to have fun and socialize in college and throwing a party can be a great way to do that. Whether for fun, notoriety, extra cash or whatever, house or apartment parties have been a part of college life for generations. But it’s no secret that many party hosts, guests and neighborhood residents have experienced harm related to students’ drinking at off-campus parties, such as injury, violence (including fights and sexual assault), property damage, noise and fines. If you throw a party—not just a get-together with close friends, but loud music, kegs, drinking games, and line-out-the-door crowds—you may be contributing to these problems and putting yourself at risk for potentially costly consequences. The tips and information provided here are meant to help party hosts create an environment that is safe and fun for all.

What Kind of Party Host Are You?

The best party host is a responsible host who helps to ensure guests are safe. Before you throw a bash, take our party host quiz to see how you score. Score 1 point for each item you do before, during, and after your party.

When planning a party, I…

• Check the lease for rules about parties. This is smart because…

  You may be fined by your landlord if parties are not allowed. In addition, if damage is done to the apartment, the hosts are liable and will face consequences with the landlord.

• Let my neighbors know in advance and give them my phone number. This is smart because…

  It's neighborly and if there is a problem, neighbors can call you first instead of the police.

• Create a guest list. This is smart because…

  We've all seen groups of freshmen roving up and down North Shore Ave. looking for a party, which can result in a small party turning into a huge one very quickly. A guest list helps you to determine the quantity and quality of people coming into your home. When you know your guests you keep the size of the party under control and the risk of theft, damage, and out of control behavior is minimized.

During the party, I…

• Have a guest list at the door. This is smart because…

  of what we mentioned above. If keeping track of who’s coming to your party isn’t realistic, minimize risks for problems by using the other tips listed here.

• Stay sober. This is smart because…

  You'll need to monitor events inside and outside of the apartment so that you can recognize and respond to problems before they escalate. As party host, you are responsible for the actions of your guests.

• Monitor and control noise. This is smart because…

  One of the most common reasons the police come to a party is because of noise. A noise violation costs $200 - $500.

• Don't serve alcohol to people under age 21. This is smart because…

  The penalties for providing alcohol to a person under age 21 are a maximum fine of $2,500 and up to a year in jail for a misdemeanor offense. If serious injury or death occurs, the person providing the alcohol is subject to felony charges (a prison sentence of a year or more and fines up to $25,000.00).

• Serve non-alcoholic drinks. This is smart because…

  It's thoughtful to serve non-alcoholic drinks like soda, mocktails, or at least water for guests who choose not to drink, including designated drivers. This also allows guests who do drink alcohol to pace themselves by alternating non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.

• Serve food. This is smart because…

  Drinking on an empty stomach can result in a person getting drunk more quickly. Avoid salty foods that promote thirst.

• Keep an eye on guests who have had too much to drink. This is smart because…

  Intoxicated guests are more likely to cause harm to themselves or others (including you!). When serious injury or death involving an underage drinker occurs, an investigation is conducted to determine where the alcohol was purchased or served so that those who provide alcohol to people under age 21 are held accountable.
  
  Monitor an intoxicated person until they have sobered up. Call 911 if a person shows any sign of alcohol poisoning (unresponsive; cold, clammy, pale or blue skin; irregular breathing, with less than eight breaths per minute).

• Talk to guests as they leave. This is smart because…

  You can help to keep guests safe and mindful of your neighbors. Don’t allow guests to leave with an open container of alcohol ($100 - $500 fine). Remind guests to be respectful of neighbors, including not using their lawns as a restroom ($100 - $500 fine). Guests should not leave alone; they may be easy targets of crime, especially if they are visibly drunk. Intoxicated guests should not drive; call a taxi or 8-RIDE, have a designated driver, or invite them to stay over.

• Use my best judgment to diffuse violence. This is smart because…

  As host, you are responsible for making sure that your guests are safe. You can do this by responding to activity in your apartment. If there is a potentially violent situation, consider your options:
  -          Let other guests know to avoid the people looking to fight.
  -          Consider contacting the police before things get out of hand.
  -          Get a large group of friends to escort them off the property.
  -          Watch entrances so they can’t return.
  

• Step in to help prevent sexual assault. This is smart because…

  Guests who have had too much to drink are generally not in a state of mind to obtain or grant consent for sex. If your guests’ behavior looks questionable, consider stepping in to make sure both parties are consenting and sober enough to do so. If not, re-direct the situation.

After the party, I…

• Clean up the apartment and lawn. This is smart because…

  Aside from the fact that trash and vomit stink, it’s important to be a good neighbor and help keep the neighborhood clean. Neighbors are less likely to call the cops if you clean up after your guests.

• Check in with your neighbors a few days later. This is smart because…

  You can find out first-hand if they have any concerns or suggestions.

How did you do? The higher your score, the better host you are. We hope you’ll consider these guidelines to keep your party fun and safe for everyone involved.

Final Quick Facts

• 52% of first-year students reported that the last time they had a drink it was at an apartment party.

• In 2008-09 academic year, almost half of all student conduct violations involved alcohol.

• In 2009, 38% of undergraduates at LUC reported engaging in some form of public misconduct (such as trouble with police, fighting, DUI, vandalism) at least once in the past year due to drinking or other drug use.

How can we improve this guide? Please send your suggestions to kmeier@luc.edu. 

We would like to acknowledge the University of Wisconsin’s PACE coalition, the source from which many of the guidelines provided here were adopted. www.pace.uhs.wisc.edu