1. Be Smart
Block Party is one of the biggest staples in the university’s student culture. It is a day to enjoy and spend with your friends and peers, but it is important to be smart as you go about your day. The importance of self-control cannot be overstated as the police presence is serious. The town’s police aren’t there to ruin your fun; they just want to keep all involved safe. College is a time to pursue career goals and professional development, so don’t get yourself into a situation that could jeopardize your future. Have fun, but be smart and courteous.
2. Food and Hydration
Considering that you will be out for most of the day on Block Party, it is important you don’t forget to eat and hydrate throughout the day. In addition to the usual eateries, both on-campus and off, there are usually food trucks set up in various locations for your convenience. Also, in my experience, there are people on corners throughout town handing out bottles of water, typically in front of town hall. Take them up on their kind gesture and be sure to thank them for looking out.
3. Parking
Block Party is the time of year when kids you haven’t talked to in a while pretend to be your close friend and ask to stay with you for the festivities. All Bloom students can relate to this, I’m sure. When inviting friends up for the weekend, be sure you know where they can legally park. If your house or apartment doesn’t have enough parking spaces, you will need to find other arrangements. A fun weekend can be ruined in a hurry if, come Sunday, your friend has a boot on their car and a $150 fine.
Know where they can park their car(s) ahead of time to avoid a headache.
4. Dormitories
If this is your first year attending Block Party, like most freshmen and transfers, remember that the dorms are very strict on this particular weekend. Again, the goal is not to ruin your time, but rather to keep you and those around you safe. Speaking from personal experience, there is more than likely going to be one or two cops in the lobby of your dorm. They will ask to see your Student ID when they see you, so be sure to always have it on you as to make their job (and your life) easier. If you are allowed a guest, the officer will likely issue said guest a badge. The badge signifies that he or she is with you and cleared to enter the building. You will need to accompany them when entering/exiting your residence hall and your guest will need to have the badge on them at all times.
You may not even be allowed to host guests for the weekend, so be sure to make other arrangements if that’s the case.