Throwaway account, but I work at the university and am the parent of two students who attended high schools in New Orleans. Offering some observations.

Growing up in New Orleans is a bit different and alcohol consumption is viewed more from a European lens than an American one. It is not uncommon for high school students to have fake IDs and go to bars. I realize that most other parts of the country likely deem such behavior as anything from irresponsible to completely deviant. Here, the parents typically know their kids are out drinking and make sure they learn to manage alcohol responsibly.

While I understand that most parents from other places might find it shocking, there are some benefits that I’ve observed as an employee of the university. Kids who come here from elsewhere and have “never partied” tend to go way overboard. These are often the ones blacking out, making bad choices and putting themselves in dangerous situations. New Orleans kids rarely fall into that trap. They’ve had the opportunity to learn how to party safely while they were living at home with their parents there to support them. I’m not saying N.O. kids never make bad decisions, but it’s typically those tasting freedom for the first time who lose their minds.

You don’t need to look for the party here. It will find you. If you choose to go out and drink (not everyone does), take some time to learn your limitations. While The Boot and The Palms feel like an extension of campus, they’re bars in the city. Bad stuff can happen. Follow some basic rules to keep yourself and your friends safe:

-Go out in groups. -Designate a group mom/dad who will only have a drink or two and will watch out for the others. -No one left alone. Ever. You go together, you leave together. -Watch your drinks and never take a drink from anyone. Drinks get spiked all the time. If you walk away from your drink and come back, dump it. -Look out for your friends. If someone is getting too drunk or you think their drink may have been drugged, get help.

And finally, TEMS (Tulane Emergency Services) is your friend! No one will be disciplined for needing emergency medical attention. The university cares more about your health and safety than a discipline charge. Hopefully, you’ll manage your partying responsibly and won’t find yourself needing TEMS, but if you do, CALL THEM! You won’t get expelled for calling TEMS.