Whether it’s your first time away from home in a new and exciting place, or you’re a sunshine state native, there is so much for a college student to do on a Friday night in South Florida. Along with the after-dark adventures, there comes a bit of risk and danger with the unknown. As long you’re aware and prepared, you can put all of your energy into making college memories that are fun and safe. After all, you don’t want to worry your parents too much.
Travel in groups
Exploring a bustling city like Fort Lauderdale or Miami is a crazy adventure, and there are chances of getting lost, confused or even tricked into going to someplace shady.
Traveling in a group reduces the likelihood of something going awry. Even if everyone is unfamiliar with the street names and places to hang out, each person has a unique strength that will aid the group in finding their way and avoiding trouble. One person might have a keen sense of direction, while another has expert money sense, and yet another friend is the “mom” of the group and loves to take care of all her babies. All of these traits put together makes for the ideal group of night owls to travel with at night in a happening place like our SoFlo home.
Watch your drinks
Even if you’re just having a glass of lemonade at a house party, never leave your cup unattended. Incidents of young people being drugged by strangers, or even peers whom they thought they could trust, occur daily. According to a study by the Health Researching Funding Organization, Teenagers and young adults, primarily individuals aged 13 to 30, are the principal users of Rohypnol, commonly known as “roofies”. It’s easy for someone to slip a crushed pill into your cup without you noticing. Finish your drink before putting your cup down, or opt for a bottled drink with a cap. If you start feeling sick, dizzy or nauseated, immediately alert a friend you can trust, such as your roommate or a friend you trust. Seek medical attention, and most importantly, never leave with a stranger, even if they offer to help.
Keep your ID and cash in your pocket
Purses and wallets get lost and stolen all the time and are seldom returned. To avoid becoming utterly stranded in case your purse or wallet get stolen, keep some form of identification and extra cash in your pocket. This way, you can still pay for your dinner, a ride home or a phone call.
Don’t get lost
There’s a GPS on your smartphone for a reason. Before you depart for your destination, plug in the address and map out the route down to the very last turn. You’ll be grateful for a bit of foresight regarding the directions because your friends will be chatting loudly, the music will be blasting , cars will be speeding past you on the highway, and you won’t have time to wonder how much further until your exit. Don’t rely on others to tell you where to go—be that friend who knows exactly what the plan is and exactly where you are. Using a GPS as you walk through a potentially confusing area of town, such as Wynwood or Las Olas, can also help you keep track of where you are while you enjoy the sights of the city.
Be smart with the Shark Shuttle
If you’re relying on the Shark Shuttle for transportation around town, don’t blindly wait for it to pick you up and drop you off at the exact scheduled times. Delays happen and shuttles break down. Download the Nextbus smartphone app to track the location and expected arrival time of the shuttle you’re waiting to catch. The app is available for both iPhones and Androids. If you find yourself waiting even fifteen minutes too long, call the shuttle’s number to check its status. Most importantly, if the shuttle is running late while you’re in downtown Las Olas at 2 a.m., don’t keep waiting around. Call a taxi, and then be sure report the shuttle delay the next day.
Avoid late night swims
It might be tempting to hit the beach on a moonlight night and venture into the water for a daring adventure. After all, the beaches are one of the best aspects of life in Florida. But even if you swim like a fish and love the ocean, no one can be prepared for sharks, a rip current or a huge wave that could drag a swimmer out too far or knock them over. Even more importantly, there are no public beach lifeguards on duty after sunset, so if you or a friend were to get into trouble in the water, help wouldn’t be close. During the day, waves are hardly a danger. But at night, everything becomes even more scary and overwhelming because it’s hard to see.
From the beach to trendy restaurants and outdoor malls, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Hollywood and so many other South Florida cities have so much culture, art and adventure to offer a college student. The best way to enjoy these beautiful cities is the safe way—making smart decisions and preparing a little before your next nighttime outing. Devoting some preparation time will ensure the best memories can continue to be made for years to come.
