This week already is the beginning of May — warmer weather and the end of the semester. Both of these are two major components of the famous Springfest that occurs the weekend before finals. Shirts are made, drinks are bought and there are tents, port-a-potties and a stage set up in University Park.

It’s been around many years, entertaining students and locals with music and drinks to socialize over. It’s nearly impossible to walk around and see someone in a bad mood.

Unfortunately, Springfest doesn’t always carry a good reputation. Many are cited with open containers, public intoxication, minors and noise complaints. These charges stem from the levels of alcohol that are consumed by those participating. Sometimes, those levels become dangerously high.

I’m not condemning alcohol or those who consume it. As a martini kind of gal, I understand it plays a significant role in our society, especially at colleges. Being conscious of how many drinks and how strong they are will ensure a good night but still not suffering from alcohol poisoning or reaching lethal limits.

The most important thing is the good old buddy system. Have a group, and stay with your group.  Also, have an emergency contact. Be aware of your surroundings.

If you’re uncomfortable or feel like someone has slipped something in your drink, you need to immediately notify someone and get to a hospital. The fear of getting in trouble because of drinking doesn’t outweigh making sure you are OK.

Last year my group and I witnessed a girl who had gone far too hard for it being so early in the day. We were stopping by a friend’s house, located right by U-Park, to see what they were up to when she stumbled in. From her attire, we could tell she had a group but we had no idea where they could be. She kept asking for help finding her friends but couldn’t tell us who or where they were.

It was difficult to see a peer so inebriated that she could barely stand up or speak a coherent sentence. .

This girl seemed to have stayed safe but that’s not always the case. As much as people like to believe otherwise, roofying occurs on our campus and is something to be aware and cautious of.

Don’t only look out for yourself, but others too. As funny as it may be seeing someone sway back and forth or even fall into a bush, it’s important to ask if they’re OK and if they need help finding a friend or getting back to their place.

Being safe doesn’t mean abstaining from alcohol, per se, but moderating what you’re drinking and keeping an eye out for yourself and others .

Remember for the best and safest Springfest, you need a buddy system, hydration, moderation, an emergency contact and don’t drink so much that you fail your finals!

Stephanie Gartner is a staff writer  for The Dakota Student.  She can be reached at  [email protected].