Schoolies
STAYING SAFE DURING SCHOOLIES
Schoolies is a great time to kick back and celebrate the end of 12 hard years of work. A time to catch up with friends before you go different directions. To make sure you have the best time you can have you also need to look after yourself and your friends. Partying safely doesn't mean not having fun. Partying safety makes sure you can party longer and remember the good times you are having.
PARTYING SAFELY
Feeling pressure to drink or take drugs?
When friends or the group you are with are drinking or taking drugs you might feel pressured to drink more than you feel comfortable with or take the same drug as them. You are the only one who knows your limits
Some ideas to help you stop drinking or taking drugs discreetly include:
- Avoid drinking in rounds.
- Order water at the same time.
- Drink mixers rather than spirits straight.
- Spend time dancing or playing pool.
- Remember the world won't stop if you decide not to drink.
- Its okay to say no to drugs, move away and find people who are party safely too. You have your reasons for not taking drugs, stick to them.
- Know the liquor laws in the state where you're holidaying.
- Organise a drivers license, passport or proof of age card Make sure you eat before and while you drink.
- Stay with people you know and trust.
- Don't drink and go swimming.
- Think about how you might feel in the morning.
OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT TO STAY SAFE
- Stay in groups when out and about.
- Know where the time out tents and areas are they are a safe place to go if you have had too much to drink or need help.
- Know where you are staying and the local taxi phone number. Always keep enough money to get back to your accommodation.
- Make sure you lock your room and don't ask strangers or people you have just met back to your accommodation.
- Don't go swimming at night even if it is well lit. Its dangerous and police will remove you.
- Look after your friends and get them to watch out for you too.
ACCOMMODATION
Tips for booking accommodation for Schoolies:
- Shop around and compare prices of different accommodation providers and check to see if a bond is required, as not every provider charges it.
- Usually people renting holiday apartments for short periods are riot asked to pay a security bond and an agent or property owner can only ask for a bond if every other prospective tenant is also asked for one - not just you.
- Do the sums on accommodation advertised at a per person rate instead of a per room rate as a better price may be available in similar style accommodation at a per room rate (but don't plan to over-fill the room).
- Do not be misled into thinking there is only one way you can book or one booking agency - you can contact travel agents and accommodation providers directly to identify other options.
- Ensure the accommodation 'house rules' suit you as many buildings require specific rules to be obeyed and many surprise Schoolies.
- If you do have to pay a bond, make sure you get a receipt and an indication from the owner about when it will be returned to you and how any disputes will be resolved.
- Ask yourself whether extras included in an accommodation package offer are worth the total room price (which can be up to $1000 a week).
- Ask for a copy of the accommodation contract from the accommodation provider (riot just the booking agency) and check that terms and conditions are acceptable - before arriving at Schoolies.
- Make sure it is clear what the total price of the room is, as you don't want to arrive at the hotel to find there is more to pay.
- Make sure you understand the costs and consequences if you change or cancel your booking.
For more information follow these links:
Schoolies.qld.gov.au
QLD Govt. - Get Set for Schoolies
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