Blaring music, red Solo cups everywhere, and usually someone puking. Partying is one of the many stereotypes that accompany going to college.

Some other common stereotypes at parties are people blacking out or not remembering the night before.

These are some symptoms of drinking too much, or even getting drugged.

You don’t have to drink at every party you go to, but if you do, always make sure you are being smart and staying safe.

Follow these safe party tips to avoid possibly ending up in the hospital.

Always go to any party with a group of trusted friends and always make sure one person will stay sober. That also goes along with making sure someone is a designated driver. Having a DD not only protects yourself but everyone in the car and on the road. Having a group of friends makes drinking safer, because there will always be one person who can take care of you if you are in danger or in need of help.

Never ever accept a drink that has been opened by someone else. The only way you should ever accept one is if it’s unopened, and even then, be wary of who you take drinks from. We have all heard horror stories about people getting drugged at a party and ending up in bad situations.

This is why having at least one sober friend with you is important. Drinking impairs judgment, and even if under normal circumstances you would never take a drink from someone else’s cup, when drunk you very well could. A sober friend can help make sure you don’t do this.

Know your limits and know how much you have drunk. Drinking too much can cause alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol poisoning occurs when someone drinks too much alcohol at a rapid pace which can be fatal. Some symptoms include vomiting, seizures, slow/irregular breathing, confusion, blue or pale skin and unconsciousness. If you are at a party and see anyone with these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Hesitation about calling an ambulance when needed could mean the difference between life and death for a person in need of medical help. When people who are intoxicated are vomiting, try to keep them sitting up or else they could choke on their vomit. If they need to be lying down, then turn them to the side to keep them from choking.

Just letting a friend “sleep it off” can be also be deadly. He or she could slip into unconsciousness and never wake up.

Do not mix alcohol with drugs or any other substances. That is one of the worst things you could do when drinking. Don’t even mix alcohol and caffeine, because one is a stimulant and the other a depressant.

If there is any chance you will get drunk and have sex, make sure you have a condom. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Most importantly, use your common sense. That should be your number one guide. When something doesn’t feel right or makes you uncomfortable, get out of the situation.

Next time you hit the bars or go to a party, keep these tips in mind and stay safe.