Dunedin is infamous for its party scene. From O-Week to St Patty’s, Hyde to Flo, and Re:Ori to red cards, there’s almost always a reason to celebrate. Partying responsibly isn’t hard, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the Dunedin scene.
Parties are an integral part of student life, but it’s important to understand the risks. If a party looks like it’s getting out of hand, maybe it’s time to head home. Check yourself and your mates when you’re out and about. Sometimes a situation may look manageable, but be aware that it can change in a second.
If you’re the one hosting and it’s getting out of hand, you have options. Parties are great, but the aim should be to have fun with your mates. We’re not telling people to stop drinking or partying, but we want to give you some tips on how you can be responsible while having fun.
How to Host Responsibly
When you decide to throw a party, don’t make it a public Facebook event or Instagram story. Make sure your whare is big enough for the people you invite and have a plan in place if 200 people randomly show up because it’s a Saturday night and that just happens sometimes.
There are also some pre-emptive options if you are planning on having a big one:
- Register with GoodOne. These guys will help you out with almost anything you need. Definitely get in touch with them if you’re hosting something big, especially during O, Flo, and Re:Ori. They provide a whole bunch of information about how to host well and put on the best event you can.
- Give Campus Watch a call 24/7 on 0800 479 5000. They’re sometimes viewed as the ‘fun police’, but actually they’re great folks who are just looking out for you and your mates. They offer great advice and can even check up on the party while it’s happening. If you think a party is getting out of hand, give them a call sooner rather than later as a heads up – or better yet, talk to them before the party even starts.
- Make sure to check with your neighbours before you host as noise can be an issue once you start heading more to the peripheries of North Dunedin.
- Tell people to bring cans – smashed glass bottles suck for everyone.
- Have food and water available.
- Set an end time and try sticking to it.
- Check all flatmates are keen for hosting the party.
- Make sure all your valuables are locked away.
Spotting the Signs: Alcohol & Drug Addiction
As you spend more time as a student in Dunedin, you’ll notice more and more drinking and drugs. Dodgy drugs have been on the rise over the last couple of years. Free, anonymous drug testing is sometimes available through OUSA ahead of and during big events.
Check yourself: what kind of relationship do you have with alcohol and drugs? If you’re starting to find that you’re drinking more and more often, and just keep drinking to the point of blackout, consider whether you actually enjoy getting to that state. It’s a good idea to check on both yourselves and your mates often, especially if you’ve noticed changes in habits or motivation. What might look like a flatmate just having a cone every now and then may be them smoking every night because they can’t sleep without it.
Check on your mates, check on yourself, TEST YOUR DRUGS with KnowYourStuff.nz, and never be afraid to check in with OUSA Student Support if yourself or someone you know has any questions or concerns.