Glorified by the popular movies “Old School,” “Animal House,” and “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder,” college parties often contain promiscuous, spontaneous and out-of-control students.

While the movies make it seem like going with the flow is the best way to have fun, Kyle Smith, intern for Rape Response at the UNA Women’s Center and president of One in Four, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of rape, offers students advice on how to be safe while partying.

“In this area, we serve one student every other day, predominantly college-age adults,” he said. “The majority of (sexual) incidents included the involvement of alcohol and someone considered an acquaintance. Play it smart. Students tend to have too much trust for acquaintances.”

Being mindful of one’s beverage is also important, according to UNA police Chief Bob Pastula.

He advises that students watch their drinks and their consumption. Someone can easily slip something into a beverage without the drinker being aware. Students also need to monitor how much alcohol they drink.

“Try not to drink to the point you lose your faculties,” Pastula said.

Vice President of Student Affairs David Shields said UNA faces similar challenges to other universities when it comes to party problems.

“Not to say UNA doesn’t wrestle with these issues would be naïve,” he said. “We are going to have these issues.”

Shields offers some advice to students.

“I think the biggest thing is to be aware of your surroundings, whether you’re walking, going somewhere unfamiliar or taking a ride from someone,” he said.

He advises that students come up with a plan for the evening before they go out. The plan should include how to deal with possible situations that could arise, such as unwanted advances and how to get everyone home safely, whether it is by cab or even the Downtown Express.

Even though the Downtown Express was created as a means for students to visit local restaurants at night, it does provide a safe way home for students who have been drinking.

“I’d rather you get on that bus and get here than get in your car and not get here,” Shields said. “If you have been drinking, don’t drive. I know it’s the old cliché, but it’s true.”