The definition of a party is “a social gathering, as of invited guests at a private home, for conversation, refreshments, entertainment, etc.”

It is no secret many college students attend parties, and it sounds as though a party is a perfect social event for a new student to meet new friends. However, big and banging parties are not the best or only way to meet people.

It seems as though many people have adopted the idea of a party to be similar to a dance club. It has become very common to dance around strobe lights to loud music. All this is fine for those who enjoy it, but for new students looking to expand their number of acquaintances or friends, the definition of a party loses a very important key term: social.

“Of course you’re going to meet a lot of people there [at the party], but are you really going to talk to most of them again,” said freshman undecided major Lauren Sandstorm.

A person may briefly meet a number of people at a big party, yet these meetings are rarely recognized, and may be forgotten the following day. With very little to no conversation, these parties have a strong visual appeal so that students, especially new ones, are drawn like moths to a flame.

Flashing lights, banging music, dancing and other party activities can easily get out of hand, which is why it is safer to party like this with people who are already friends and to meet new people elsewhere. For instance, a club or organization where people have the same interests.

“The best way to meet people is in classes or on your floor and to introduce yourself. Also, I met a lot of people by leaving my door open so other people can drop in and say ‘hi,'” said freshman communication major Amanda Kalkstein.

NIU also warns students of situations such as rape and trouble with the law through fliers and campus organizations. A flier from Health Enhancement Division of Student Affairs even gives tips on how to party in a safe manner. Therefore, anyone who is going to party “hard core,” should do it with a group of people they know or even at a close friend’s house.

An even safer alternative, opposed to partying, is to have or attend a moderately small get-together with friends to play cards or have a barbecue so there is room for conversation. This way meeting and getting to know someone is easier. Cutting out the social part of a party may just be cutting out the P-A-R-T, or most of the fun. After all, isn’t the point of a party to meet new people? As a new trend which is admittedly difficult to avoid, it is simply more logical to meet friends elsewhere before attending a dance club thrown together in someone’s living room.