Louisiana State University, land of football and home of college’s most iconic nightlife. I have definitely earned my badge of honor, scratching off the majority of my partying bucket list. What Baton Rouge constantly reminds us students, though, is to expect the unexpected and the dangerous.

Gameday weekends are no joke in Death Valley. The bar scene is pure chaos. We’ve got people coming from all over to get a taste of the real deal, meaning our beloved college town bar, Fred’s. But I fear we might have 365-party-girl-bossed too close to the sun.

This idea of overdoing it and underdoing our safety has remained prevalent to me, having experienced one of my most stressful night outs ever; I found myself, unfortunately, in a scenario where I was at risk of being unsafe. I was around belligerent, intoxicated people, left with suspicious ways to get home and overall in bad company.

Students want to go out and drink and enjoy themselves. Yes, I think from personal experience we’ve just all got a bit too comfortable with the “for the plot” trope. If the plot entails putting my life in unnecessary danger, count me officially out.

Baton Rouge isn’t the safest city out there. I think we can all recognize that. Sometimes I feel anxiety just leaving my house for class. Feeling safe when going out? Forget about it.

There are more horror stories to count. Specifically concerning the safety of young women on LSU’s campus. Our community recently suffered through a horrific tragedy as a student body: the death of Madison Brooks. Doing what every other teenage girl was at the time, Brooks was at the bar enjoying her night until everything took a deadly turn.

The crime committed against Brooks was no mistake. A vulnerable young girl was plotted against at no fault of her own. But, I can’t help but wonder if the tragedy could’ve been avoided had the bars or people around her been more alert in her time of need. How many stories like Brooks or other victims could’ve taken a different turn?

I feel guilty that Brooks had an experience that cost her her life. I think as students continuing to move on with our lives, we all have a bit more responsibility to take more precautions.

Before a night out, have a checklist: Who’s coming? How are we getting there? How are we getting home? And continuously check on your friends and peers as the night advances. This is honestly the bare minimum.

It makes me so sad to see friends putting other friends in danger by allowing themselves to get to the actual point of alcohol poisoning. Not only can no one enjoy their night out because you have to babysit your bestie but, your friend is now incredibly vulnerable and at risk of being hurt or worse, and let’s be real here, it’s up to you to help your friend because the frat president certainly won’t. What hurts even more is seeing girls not looking out for other girls. For example, letting one another get incredibly drunk and just leaving them vulnerable. We have to do better.

Now, we can all acknowledge that nightlife in Tigerland is mostly Greek life, unless it’s a gameday. Sorority girls and frat guys are some of the most privileged of the student body to be frank. So, I get their whole “I’m invincible” MO, but it’s honestly annoying and ignorant. Ignoring the treachery that may meet us at Tigerland doesn’t make you cool.

Next time you go out, don’t forget to make that checklist. Don’t forget to look out for your friends and even those that aren’t your friends. Having fun is a collaborative effort. Don’t be one of those people who abandon all morals when you’ve had a few drinks. One tragedy is already too many. Be safe out there, Tigers.

Blair Bernard is a 21-year-old theatre major from Lafayette, La.