An often overlooked aspect of preparing for college is preparing for parties.

While it is important to remember that the main reason for a student to attend college is to further their education and set up their professional careers for success, it is important to factor in some balance from the stress of academics. Partying is a common form of release for many college students.

Despite being known for its academic rigor, the University of Illinois has its fair share of parties for students to attend.

Due to the size of the University, it is easy for students to feel overwhelmed at the beginning of the year. This guide can be used to help students understand the different types of parties offered, what to bring and prepare for and how to party safely. 

There are many different types of parties, each with its own distinct vibe and set of expectations. The first of which are house shows and house parties.

At these parties, it is typical that there is live music being performed on-site by students, locals or visiting music groups. Since these parties take place within an actual house, the quarters can be quite cramped. Expectations for partygoers vary per event, but it is not uncommon for these parties to charge a cover fee, so it’s important to have cash readily available.

Another type of party at the University is barn dances, or “bances,” as they are referred to by students. Barn dances are held at Miner Farm and buses are provided by the organization that is hosting the event. 

It is typical for partygoers to dress up in country attire with popular outfits featuring flannel, cowboy boots or cowboy hats. To further contribute to the country theme, the DJ typically only plays country music.

Different clubs and organizations hold barn dances over the course of the year, so students wanting to “bance” the night away should participate in organizations that throw them or know someone who does. Large barn dances are put on by the club sports teams, the October Lovers Club, Greek organizations and numerous other groups.

Mojka Dechin Mijiddorj, a freshman in Alpha Omicron Pi, recently attended her sorority’s barn dance. 

“It was so cute,” Dechin Mijiddorj said. “I loved how everyone was dressed up in their little country clothes.”

Last but not least are frat parties, perhaps the most famous of college parties. Frat parties are thrown by different fraternities throughout the year with most of the open-door events occurring on a Friday or Saturday night. 

During the first few weeks of each semester, there is a slew of frat parties as a part of the rush process for fraternities. 

“Going fratting, both the start of Fall semester and Spring semester, is totally essential to building friend groups and making memories,” said Hugh McKee, a freshman in Sigma Nu fraternity. “I think it’s awesome”

During rush week, it is typical for several fraternities to throw parties on the same night. As the year progresses, these numbers slow down, but students are typically able to find a frat party if they know where to look.

Fraternities usually advertise their parties through word of mouth, but occasionally a student will post the party’s flier to a class Snapchat story. 

Even if students are not involved in Greek life, they should not shy away from attending frat parties.

“I know so many people who are not in sororities or frats, and they just go out to party, wherever,” said Dechin Mijiddorj. “I think it just depends on who you’re friends with. Honestly, you can just show up and get in.”

Although parties are mostly open-invite for students not involved in Greek life, it may be more difficult for students to learn about frat parties.

“At the beginning of last semester they were pretty accessible, but I think through second semester there have been less that I have been aware of and I think that is probably because I am not in Greek life,” said Graciela Best, a freshman in LAS.

However, a handful of parties thrown by fraternities will be closed to a set invite list. The requirements to get on the invite list depend on the host.

“When you get into the semester, you’re throwing parties pretty much out of your own pocket,” McKee said. “So yeah, I would understand if someone wants to have a closed invite list to that. Especially because it’s a lot of time and effort to set up. It’s a lot of manpower involved, and it’s totally complicated throwing. Also, there’s like an element of risk with that, if you have an invite list, you know who’s going and you know how to manage it all.”

When preparing to attend a party, there are many factors to consider to ensure a fun and safe time. 

First, be mindful when planning an outfit. It is not uncommon for drinks to be spilled during a dancing craze, so it is important to only wear shoes and clothing that will survive a little wear and tear. 

Additionally, some parties have themes, but requirements for adhering to the theme vary depending on the host. 

Throughout the year, several holidays occur that induce an onset of standardized party themes. The largest of which are “Halloweekend,” which occurs the weekend before Halloween, “Unofficial.” which occurs the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day and “Darty” weekend, which occurs when the weather permits.

On Halloweekend, students can be seen traveling from frat to frat clad in a wide variety of costumes. 

“Halloweekend was really fun, just dressing up, and you can dress up every night and have a different costume and just go wherever,” Dechin Mijiddorj said. “That was really cute.”

The weekend before St. Patrick’s Day has been coined “Unofficial” as a nod to all of the “unofficial” St. Patrick’s Day-themed events that occur. 

As the weather warms up, students take their parties outside. These outdoor parties have coined the term “darty” as an acknowledgment of their unconventional time. 

“The darties are the best time because everyone’s outside, you’re enjoying the weather and I can finally wear shorts again,” McKee said.

In addition to planning an outfit, students who plan on participating in parties must do so safely and responsibly. Going out in groups is always safer than going alone. 

 “Always go with a group, and make sure it’s not just any group, but a group of people that you trust or at the very least are comfortable with,” Best said. 

McKee talked about the fact that at parties there’s a lot that is going on at once which could become an unsafe environment for some. If students find themselves in an unsafe position, there are a plethora of resources.

“I’d say do not hesitate at all to go find an actual brother of the fraternity because 10 times out of 10 they give you all the help you need and help remove you from that situation and remove the problem from the situation as well,” McKee said.

Services like SafeRides and SafeWalks escort are also available for students. SafeRides is provided by MTD and is available until 6 a.m. during the Fall and Spring semesters. It is only available for individuals and groups of up to three people, and students must provide their iCard for this service according to the MTD website.

Students can also call 217-333-1216 or use the blue-light emergency phones to request a walking escort from a trained Student Patrol officer.

While all of these practices are put in place to ensure students can go out and have a fun time, it is still important to set priorities with schoolwork.

“Don’t feel like you have to go out. It’s always gonna be there,” Dechin Mijiddorj said. “If you have school to do, just do your school.”

Attending parties is a great way for University students to socialize, have fun and experience their campus, but students should practice balance between the many aspects of college life.

“You’re here to learn, but you’re also here to have fun, so make sure you find a good balance between the both,” Best said. 

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