It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the fall semester, and with Halloween coming up, now might be a good time to think over the way we’re using alcohol, because above all else, everyone should feel safe on this campus. It’s good to know how much of a drink counts as one drink (spoiler alert, it’s not just however much fits into a solo cup), what to do while you drink to keep yourself safe, and what to do to keep other people safe. Bear in mind, the safest option is not drinking at all, and for those of you under 21, it’s the legal option. However, nobody here is looking to write anyone up or to be a buzzkill; the whole idea is just to keep everyone safe here at Le Moyne. If you choose to drink, it’s important that you do so safely. Drinking irresponsibly can have many short and long term consequences, so while staying vigilant and responsible may be a bit of a pain, it’s ultimately very worth it.

Some of these tips might seem like common sense, and even if you’ve heard them before, a helpful reminder never hurts.

It’s always important to know your limit, which can fluctuate from person to person with differences in weight and gender. Some people are more easily affected than others, and it’s good to keep that information in mind ahead of time.

How much is one drink? One drink is 12 oz. of beer or malt liquor, 5 oz. of wine, and 1.25 oz. of 80 proof liquor (even less if the proof is higher). Not all drinks are the same, and the same amount of one drink vs another in the same cup could count for more drinks.

Drinking on an empty stomach isn’t a good idea, so eat food before, during, and after to keep a buffer between alcohol and your bloodstream. Try to space out your drinks as well by having some water in between. Doing this will help keep your blood alcohol content (BAC) low.

Absolutely do not drink and drive. Call a cab, an Uber, a ride from a friend (who is sober)/ designated driver, anything outside of actually getting in a car and driving yourself. Along with this, don’t let anyone who is drinking drive a car. Stay with people you know and trust at all times.

Perhaps most importantly, if you see someone having trouble or if you yourself don’t feel safe, get help. Call an RA or campus security. If you’re under 21, don’t worry about getting in trouble if you or a friend needs help. Student safety is a priority here. Regardless of whether it’s the Halloween dance, Dolphy Day, or any other day/night, it’s important to be safe and responsible, which includes getting help when you need it. With that said, good luck to everyone with midterms and anything else that comes your way!