How To Throw the Ultimate Uni House Party

Prepare To Party

What makes the ultimate Uni House party one to remember? To be honest, it’s probably the top class shenanigans that carry on into the wee small hours. The ones that make Uni life headlines, are talked about for weeks afterwards and then reminisced about years down the line when you might have forgotten the names, but never the faces. However, the best way to get you and your mates to let your hair down and forget the pile of essays waiting to be written, is to get properly prepared and put a bit of effort into creating a wicked atmosphere.

Now, I may be teaching a grandmother to suck eggs here but let’s run through a few pre party essentials. 

Love Thy Neighbour

Tell the neighbours you are having the party and tell them well in advance. Sounds obvious I know, but the amount of parties I’ve been to  that have had neighbours coming round during the party screaming bloody murder are too many to mention. Be nice to them, take them a cake when you go round, beam a big smile and make them like you if they don’t already. This normally stops them calling the police, blocking your car in, posting stuffy notes and making life whilst you are at Uni a little less short than hell. Oh yes, there is always another alternative. Invite them.

Call to Action!

Next, invite your mates. Do it by word of mouth- which is still surprisingly effective these days and make a cool Facebook event or page - perhaps using some pics from your last party. It’s probably best not to make it public. Make it invite only and maybe friends can invite their friends. Don’t forget Twitter and make sure you tweet it to all those funky folk you want to party the night away with. Of course, the laws of throwing parties mean that a load of random people will inevitably rock up too. This can be good news or bad new but there is little you can do to prevent it, only limit it.

Get The Supplies

Think about supplies. Don’t bother with food as it normally gets thrown about the place rather than eaten, but then again, that can be fun (until you are clearing up the next day). Encourage people to bring their own booze, but if you and your housemates are up for it then all put some cash in and take a trip to the local cash and carry. Stock up on some mixers, spirits, wine beer and whatever floats your alcohol boat. While you are there chuck in some plastic glasses as it saves on breakages and washing up the next day.

Extras

Depending on the type of party you decide to throw you may want to get a few extras. For the last party, we got hold of a couple of round folding tables which were initially used as bars, one in my room and another in the living room. By the end of the evening a few people tried to use them as dancing podiums so they were promptly folded away so no-one broke a limb! Buying fairy lights from the pound shop and draping them around the house can create interesting spaces i.e. a grotto under the stairs and help to add a good dash of ambience.

Themes

It’s pretty important to pick a theme. It makes the party interesting, fun and also more memorable. People that don’t know each other can get chatting about their outfits and the pictures are more likely to be awesome. Here’s a few to get your imaginations oiled- mad wig party, toga party, 1950’s speakeasy, come as Your Favourite album cover, superheroes vs. super villains. Whatever you do, it’s guaranteed to add a bit of oomph to what could just be another house party.

Top Tunes

Ok, this is vitally important and there are a few ways of going about this. If you know someone who likes to DJ, then ask them to come and weave their musical magic. Easy. If not then try making up some playlists with your housemates before the party. Set up a few different vibes, genres and mixes depending on what you and your mates like. For example, you might start the evening with some chilled out house vibes but past midnight you could be rocking the joint with some drum and bass. You know what your gang likes but just remember that the best parties are not always with full on music all night but have peaks and troughs of energy. If you are really stuck for ideas then a good back up plan is to use Soundcloud. It’s likely that your favourite Dj’s have an account and have some cool sets ready mixed and ready to play. Set these up before and all you have to do is press the button and enjoy. 

Be Safe

Drunk proof your house and move all breakables and valuables into one room and pop a padlock on the door. That means your belongings are safe and people don’t hurt themselves by falling on the glass table your auntie got you from a boot fair. Take it from me, I’ve seen it happen. 

Everyone want to let their hair down and have fun at the party and a successful party can be both wild and safe at the same time. The way this is done is by agreeing with your housemates beforehand who exactly is going to be the ‘responsible one’ and generally keep an eye out for people who may have drunk too much etc. Being extra vigilant, helping get people taxis and fishing out excess loo roll before the toilet completely blocks up can help to make sure nothing spoils what is sure to be the Ultimate Uni House Party! 

Top Tip

Make sure you are NOT friends with your Landlord on Facebook. Posting post party pictures of their precious property is hedonistic disarray may not bode well for a continued tenancy.