by: Ryan Moinazad
Halloween in Los Angeles is one of the most festive weekends in the entertainment capital of the world. With film studios, small business, festivals, and the City itself organizing events for the month of October, students have no shortage of options when it comes to having fun both on and off campus. If you’re looking for something to do this Halloween, check out Discover LA’s #Halloween website.
Celebrating Halloween (and the weekend it’s attached to) can include different things for different students. Some students may choose to go out to parties and venues off-campus, while others may choose to stay on/around campus. Regardless of how you have fun this weekend, USC Student Health wants you to stay safe and enjoy the weekend. Here are four simple ways to look out for yourself and others.
1. Go out with a group and a clear plan to get home.
Going out as part of a group, even if it’s only a few other people, can help reduce transportation costs and ensure you have people with you that have your back throughout the night. Share your location with at least one friend for the night and make sure your phone is charged before leaving. If venues allow, consider bringing a portable charger or battery pack as a backup. Check in with your friends throughout the night to make sure everyone’s staying safe and having fun.
2. Make sure to eat a real meal and hydrate before going out.
Going out and staying up late requires a lot of energy! Especially if you’re planning to drink, eating a full meal beforehand can help pace how fast alcohol enters your bloodstream. Drinking water throughout the night will help you stay hydrated and make the hangover the morning after a little less disruptive.
3. Plan your ride home.
Make sure you have a plan on how your group will get home before the night starts. USC’s Lyft Rides Program gives all USC students free shared rides in the Department of Public Safety’s patrol zone around the University Park Campus from 7pm-2am every night. If you’re off campus, rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, and Waymo can all be cost effective options for your group to get back to campus. Make sure to verify that the car picking you up is actually yours: verify the license plate, car model/color, and the driver’s name before getting in.
4. Know the signs and who to call.
Crowded, dark gatherings can make it easy to lose track of your drink. Avoid accepting drinks from people you don’t know. If you or a friend suddenly feel much more intoxicated than what’s normal, feel confused, or have trouble staying awake, get to a safe place and get help right away.
Alcohol poisoning can be a serious medical emergency. If someone is unconscious and won’t wake up, cannot walk, is vomiting while passed out, or appears with pale or bluish skin, they need immediate medical attention. Stay with the person and roll them onto their side to protect their airway.
In the event that you need to, it’s important to know who to call to get the help you need.
For any emergency off-campus, call 9-1-1
For any emergency on-campus or in the University Park DPS Patrol Zone, call 213-740-4321
For any emergency on-campus or in the Health Sciences Campus DPS Patrol Zone, call 323-442-1000
To speak to an Advice Nurse (available 24/7), call USC Student Health at 213-740-9355 (WELL)
On behalf of the staff at Trojans360, we hope you have a safe and fun Halloweekend! Fight on!
