When it comes to any social outing, I think you should be 100% in or out. Life is too precious to waste time, especially your own.
If you have ever been out and the words circling your head are “I wish I would’ve stayed home” — been there, done that. But I kissed those days goodbye, and now I lead a life where I’m not ashamed to say no.
In a recent interview, actor Cillian Murphy was asked if he has FOMO he replied saying, “No, I have ROMO, relief of missing out.”
We all fall into one of two categories:
FOMO (fear of missing out) or ROMO (relief of missing out)
Is it that one can’t say no or deep down inside, this individual is okay with having a mediocre time as long as they can say “I was there?”
A college campus is the hub for FOMO; it’s where FOMO chases students until they give in to ditching their quiet night in for a “night out to remember.” I’ve noticed that for most people, people pleasing is like breathing; it comes naturally.
It’s always interesting when someone is recapping their weekend and the first thing that rolls off their tongue is “all I wanted to do was stay in, but my friends wouldn’t let me.”
You need to start living life the way you fancy.
That goes for game days and everything in between.
This may be an unpopular opinion, but game days aren’t mandatory.
As someone who has participated in game day festivities since freshman year, I can tell you, some have been eventful, while others are days I would never relive.
The fall semester is ruled by football season. The day can be 13 grueling hours long, consisting of securing a band at the bar for pregame festivities, walking or finding transportation to and from campus, being squished in a frat tent pushed up against sweaty bodies, all to finally make your way to the main event.
By this point, one might find themselves dehydrated, starving, sticky, sweaty and exhausted.
Saturday is game day all day, Sunday is for recovering from the events that unfolded the prior day and that’s a wrap on your weekend.
When does one get to do anything else? My week is already busy. I need my weekends to complete assignments, apartment chores and indulge in self-care.
Don’t get me wrong, I think a game day can be everything and more, but that depends on multiple factors.
Keep in mind who you’re spending the day with; it determines how everything goes down, literally everything.
Be cute, but comfortable. It’s a lot of walking and standing and most games are in the blistering heat.
Have a plan regarding transportation. As we know, roads are closed, it’s a pain etc., etc. An Uber costs a million dollars and walking is not always the move.
Drink responsibly and hydrate with some H2O. Obviously.
Eat a meal before heading to the tailgate; a granola bar will not suffice, pack it in your game day bag, trust me, you will need it.
I do believe everyone should experience game day — tailgating optional — at least once or twice while attending LSU. I wholeheartedly believe once you’ve seen one, you’ve kind of seen them all. In a way, it’s the same song and dance. Just like many things in life, you’ll eventually crave something new.
What’s the alternative if you don’t like the typical game day routine? What’s there to do? You asked the right gal — there’s always other options. If you find yourself not wanting the traditional game day experience, not to fear: some alternatives are below.
Game day Alternatives:
Skip tailgating, geaux to the game
This is something I started doing my sophomore year, it allows me to sleep in, eat a good meal minus the rushing and enjoy Tiger stadium without feeling sick and gross.
Host or attend Grunch
My friend Jordyn Wilson, a.k.a. hostess with the mostess, is the genius behind “Grunch”: game day brunch. There are many great things about this option, one being that Wilson provides a delicious game day spread from her choice restaurant such as Walk-On’s. From orange chicken sliders to burgers, drinks and more. You’re satisfied and in an air-conditioned apartment rather than the muddy Parade Grounds. This also gives students a chance to participate in game day, relieving them of the pressure to tailgate or attend the game. You’re being social, eating, drinking and being merry comfortably.
Wilson, you’re iconic.
Watch Party (Super Bowl Sunday Style)
Whether it’s at a bar, restaurant, apartment, or even a dorm, you can watch the game anywhere with your friends/family. Treat game day like it’s Super Bowl Sunday. Geaux big or geaux home.
And if you’re not into football whatsoever, that’s okay. Spend your day the way you want to.
I think college students feel pressured to do absolutely everything. That pressure is especially clear when it comes to game days.
From finding the perfect game day fit, to searching high and low for a ticket if you didn’t luck out on a ticket package, it can lead you into a stressful spiral instead of a semester of fun.
Do or don’t when it comes to game day.
If you do, be safe, have fun and enjoy Tigers.
Ava Francis is a 22-year-old journalism major from New Orleans.
