Loyola University Chicago

Safety Net Coalition

Hosting a Party? Keep It Fun! Keep It Safe!

A Guide for Loyola University Chicago Students

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

During the party, I…

  • Have a guest list at the door. This is smart because…
  • Stay sober. This is smart because…
  • Monitor and control noise. This is smart because…
  • Don't serve alcohol to people under age 21. This is smart because…
  • Serve non-alcoholic drinks. This is smart because…
  • Serve food. This is smart because…
  • Keep an eye on guests who have had too much to drink. This is smart because…
  • Talk to guests as they leave. This is smart because…
  • Use my best judgment to diffuse violence. This is smart because…
  • Step in to help prevent sexual assault. This is smart because…

After the party, I…

  • Clean up the apartment and lawn. This is smart because…
  • Check in with your neighbors a few days later. This is smart because…

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.

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