Just like your effort in class or your opinion on The Red Lion, your views on Unofficial are likely to change as you age. The Daily Illini Editorial Board has compiled tips on the best way to approach Unofficial based on your year at the University.

Freshmen

You’ve been hearing about this famed drinking holiday since at least the beginning of the semester, if not the whole year. It’s tempting to join the 6 a.m. drinkers and continue to rage throughout the day, but this is a recipe for disaster. You’ve got three more Unofficials ahead of you. Play it safe this year, and keep it to some light drinking in the dorms. If an upperclassman has invited you to an apartment crawl or house party, remember to pace yourself. No one wants to be the passed-out rookie at noon.

Sophomores

The same general advice for freshmen applies here, though it’s more likely you aren’t monitored by RAs this year. For the 19-year-old sophomores out there, remember that bar access has been revoked for the day. If you haven’t already opted to go home for the weekend, coordinate an apartment or house crawl. You’ve had more day-drinking experience, so plan your starting time accordingly. Don’t get too cocky though — getting blasted and wandering the streets is a sure way to get a drinking ticket.

Juniors

Congratulations! Most of you are probably 21 and have no underage legal fears. Feel free to take full advantage of the bars — the green beer flows for you. You might be weighed down with schoolwork and responsibilities, but wake up early for kegs and eggs and drink for as long as you can. If you haven’t made it to 21 yet, no worries. Avoid cover this year and bounce from party to party. If you play your cards right and wear last year’s shirt, you can do Unofficial on a dime.

Seniors

If you’re a senior, you probably don’t even need to read this. You’ve had your plans set for months, ordered apparel ahead of time — including your KAMs shirt. There might even be Jell-O shots setting in your fridge right now, if you’re really prepared. Senior nights might have spoiled you, so make sure to bring plenty of cash for the steep Unofficial cover. If you and your friends haven’t set up a series of pregames leading to the bars but you still want to celebrate, Unofficial can just be a standard darty. With all the warm weather this semester, darties are practically every weekend. It’s pretty likely you don’t even have class on Friday, so this will just be a normal weekend with a little more green.