Off Campus Living

Party Tips

Party Tips

If you plan to host or attend a party in one of Bellingham’s fine neighborhoods, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure things go smoothly and you and your friends are being respectful of your neighbors and fellow party-goers!

Newbie’s Guide to Bars

  • Bouncers are trained to keep you safe. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a bar, ask for help.
  • Bring your ID, they will ask every time. Using a fake ID to buy marijuana or alcohol is illegal.
  • Pace yourself. You will thank us in the morning.
  • Bars have to legally cut you off if you are drunk or otherwise intoxicated. Don’t get mad. Just go home.
  • Always keep an eye on your drink and don’t accept a drink from anyone else!
  • TIP YOUR BARTENDER! $1 per drink is standard.
  • Be nice! Bars are private establishments so they get to choose who stays and who goes.
  • Use the Buddy system! Travel with friends and stay with your group.

HOW TO HOST A RESPECTFUL PARTY

You’ve set up your new place and are ready to invite people over. Whatever the size of your gathering, there are a few things you can do to make it enjoyable for you and those around you.

TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS

WHAT

Tell your neighbors that you plan to have gatherings at your house.

WHO

Tell them who to contact if they have issues with your party. It is better they call you first, not the police.

WHEN

Give your neighbors a heads up before the scheduled party!

GREAT TIPS FOR HOSTING

NOISE LEVELS

Keep the party at less then 30 people and indoors at all times. Check on noise levels.

PLAN AHEAD

Make a plan for when the party get out of hand. Call 911 if you are concerned about a person’s safety.

SNACKS

Offer water, soda, provide snacks and other food. *Food does NOT effect how fast alcohol leaves your system.

NO MINORS

Don’t serve alcohol to minors.

BE NICE

Don’t block driveways or sidewalks! Clean up after your party indoors and outdoors.

COOPERATE WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS & THE POLICE

If your neighbors call or stop by to tell you the party’s too loud, listen to them and cooperate. Otherwise, they may end up calling the police.

Cooperate with the police if they show up. Have a calm, sober person speak with them. If they ask you to break up the party, do it.

SAFETY TIPS

You and your Guests

  • Don’t let anyone under 21 consume alcohol.
  • If you can intervene and stop a fight before it starts, try to do so– but don’t risk your own safety.
  • Discourage rapid drinking or drinking games.
  • Food, coffee, cold showers, aspirin, etc. WON’T SOBER YOU UP – only time will do that.
  • Cut off anyone who is getting too drunk. Offer water instead and keep an eye on their behavior.
  • Make sure people have rides or a safe place to safe incase they are too intoxicated.

YOUR STUFF

  • Protect valuables and lock the rooms you don’t want people to enter.
  • If people don’t know them, don’t let them in!
  • Pay attention to people who leave early, or people who come with backpacks.
  • Keep an inventory of your stuff and check it after the party.
  • Call the police to report any missing items.

HOW TO BE A GOOD PARTY ATTENDEE

If you decide to attend a party in a Bellingham neighborhood, there are a few things you can do to make your night enjoyable while respecting neighbors.

BE A GOOD HUMAN

DO

Treat other people and their property with respect
Try to cooperate with police officers (they’re people too)
Leave when asked
Call a taxi or catch a ride with a sober friend if you are drinking

SAFETY TIPS

MODERATE

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink, and be sure to eat food and remember to drink water. Decide before the party how many drinks you’ll have. Know what you are drinking and how much you’ve consumed.

STICK TOGETHER

Go with a friend so you can look out for each other! Know the signs of an alcohol overdose. Leave the party with the friends you came with.

AVOID

Don’t accept drinks from others. Avoid drinking games, funnels, and other activities that get you too drunk too fast. Don’t go to a party if you don’t know the host.

CALL 911 IF YOU THINK SOMEONE HAS HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK

GOOD SAMARITAN LAW

Washington’s 911 Overdose Good Samaritan laws state if you think someone’s overdosing or has alcohol poisoning and you seek medical help for the victim, neither of you will be charged for possessing or using drugs or for minor in possession.

SIGNS OF OVERDOSE

Any trouble breathing or having convulsions, vomiting excessively or vomiting blood, unable to stand/walk without help, unconscious or unresponsive, or cold, clammy skin, and/or bluish lips.

ONLY DRIVE SOBER

If you’re high or drunk don’t drive! Call a taxi, rideshare, arrange a ride with a sober friend, take the bus, call the free Starlight Shuttle or stay over if you need to.

Alternate Bellingham Transportation

WTA TRANSIT
BLUE CAB
360.734.3787
BELLINGHAM TAXI
360.220.4990
WWU SHUTTLE