A couple tips on safety and etiquette
Homecoming comes at the perfect time of year. Your classes have started, but your plans to resume the fetal position don’t begin until October. You bought textbooks, but you haven’t necessarily opened them yet. And that’s alright. It’s important to cut loose, enjoy what little spare time you have with your friends, and celebrate Gryphon pride.
But if you aren’t careful, homecoming is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get until you get stuck on the opposite end of town, trying and failing to Google-Map your way home. Here are a couple guidelines to having a fun-packed day:
DO plan to come home—go home—you know what I mean. Plan a home base with some friends, even if it means someone else beats you to the futon. A wise man once said, “Winter is coming.” The nights are cold. Do yourself a favour: don’t sleep outside.
DO dress up in black, red, and gold. It’s dashing. It’s elegant. Looking up into the stadium, our Gryphon football players will know right away who you’re cheering for.
DON’T catcall someone for dressing up (or dressing down). They already know they look good. There’s no need to tell them. Sexual harassment isn’t a joke—respect other people’s boundaries.
DO bring a water bottle, but…
DON’T fill it with vodka. A wise man also once said, “Drink lots of water.” Chances are, you or someone you know is going to need it over the course of the day.
TRY NOT TO get a ticket from the police. Tickets for public intoxication and urinating in public are more common than you think. They aren’t the end of the world, but a ticket would probably wreck your day.
DO use the buddy system. Plan to spend the day with a friend and keep an eye on each other. This way, if you get lost or sick, someone will be there to take care of you.
DO NOT—I REPEAT DO NOT—drink and drive. Don’t get into a car when the driver’s been drinking. Don’t let your friend get into a car when the driver’s been drinking. Today is not the day you ruin someone’s life—including your own.
Some transportation options include taking the bus, arranging an Uber, carpooling with a designated driver, or making the trek on foot. Keep in mind that taxis will become harder to get as the day goes on. If you do take the bus, don’t forget to thank your bus driver for getting you home safely. Not all heroes wear capes.
The game starts at 1 p.m., so it’ll be best to come a bit early to get the good seats in the Alumni Stadium. Plan to be at the game for a few hours.acking a snack and bringing some cash for food is wise.
Guelph is playing against the Western Mustangs, so wearing any purple would be treacherous. The Gryphons are 2-2 so far this season, but both wins have been at home, and we’ll look to keep that streak going. The Mustangs are 3-1 coming off a win against Queen’s, so the game is set to be a nail-biter.
With these tips in mind, have a safe and happy homecoming!
Photo by Mido Melebari.