Pastures, PBR, Pubsafe, Oh My! – Alex’s Survival Guide to Freshman Year
Alexandra Gore | September 18, 2024
Class of 2028, welcome to Warren Wilson College (WWC), the place where you will (hopefully) spend the next four years of your life. For many reasons, WWC is a unique place, and along with it comes unique experiences… some of which you have to come across the bad way. Lucky for you, I am here to guide you through your first year at WWC, starting with parties.
A good first step to approaching WWC parties is to sweep every image of a college party from your mind. As expected from a barefoot-walking school, most WWC functions are held down at the garden or farm, typically in the pack shed, where music and laughter can be heard from the gravel path.
While these functions are planned and run by students, they have been pre-approved by Public Safety (PubSafe) and other members of the administration. That said, do not try to throw a party on school property without the proper permission. You will get busted before you get the chance to hear “Disturbia” play.
Probably the most unexpected rule at WWC parties pertains to alcohol. While the classic college party is BYOB, WWC parties are BYOYBN (bring your own…you better not). PubSafe will shut the party down if they find an open container, and trust me when I say that the last thing you want to experience is the humiliation of being that person.
On the topic of alcohol, it is far from required to have fun. WWC parties are high energy, the music is usually good and with the right group of people, it can be a great experience sober. If you find yourself wanting to be a part of the nightlife on campus but feel hesitant, do not feel that there is pressure to drink. Plus, it is always fun to be the one to drive people to Cookout afterward!
Something that I have grown to learn the importance of is bringing a water bottle to parties. It does not seem practical, but it is always important to stay hydrated — you will thank yourself down the line. If you need to refill your bottle, there are sinks in the farm tool shed and the garden cabin that give fairly crisp water.
As a lover of Find My iPhone, I would suggest sharing your location with friends and making sure you have access to theirs too. Check in on them throughout the night, and even better, stick with them physically. If someone shows signs of needing to go home, walk with them and make sure they are safe. Leaving the party for a few minutes to take care of a friend will not mess up the vibe, I promise.
If you lose something at a party, chances are somebody in the school-wide group chat has sent a photo looking for its owner. If not, send a message there and students will help you find what you misplaced. Preventatively, do not wear anything valuable or of high importance to parties. Chances are, they will slip into a cowpie to never be seen again.
Room “parties” are common in freshman dorms and, in my opinion, are your worst claustrophobic nightmare. If you have ever had a hard time doing literally anything at the same time as your roommate, especially in Sunderland, you know the struggle of the small rooms. These parties are almost never worth throwing, and chances are, the Resident Assistant (RA) on duty or PubSafe will be knocking at your door. Dogwood is a great place to hang out with large groups of people without the risk of getting noise complaints.
Keep these tips in mind for the next function, and remember to prioritize safety above all else. You cannot consent when you are inebriated. Also… have fun, dress cute and do mildly stupid things.
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