St. Patrick’s Day is an exciting time in Pittsburgh, especially for college students looking to enjoy it with friends. Pittsburgh offers a variety of ways to celebrate, but above all, it’s important to be mindful of how to go about festivities cautiously. Here are some tips on how to stay safe this St. Patricks Day.
1. Plan your trip ahead of time
There are a variety of ways to get around safely over the weekend, especially for Chatham University students. If a student were to leave the Shadyside campus, they could take either the 71B or 71D Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) buses, which run from Fifth Avenue to Downtown Pittsburgh. Chatham students have free public transportation through the Ready2Ride app. Additionally, ride sharing apps like Uber are strongly recommended.
2. Prepare for the weather
St. Patrick’s Day is on Tuesday, March 17, and the projected forecast will reach as low as 20 degrees (via weather.com). Therefore, it is important to dress warmly and be prepared for the chance of precipitation.
3. Travel with a group
Planning to stick with a group of designated friends is strongly recommended in the case of an emergency. If you see something that doesn’t sit right with you, mention it to your group. Or, if your phone dies, staying with friends will ensure that you can avoid being left behind without methods of communication.
4. Monitor drink consumption
For those over 21, do not carry open containers of alcohol or clear containers containing liquid. Even if you are of legal drinking age, law enforcement can still obtain your drinks and charge you for open alcohol. Do not accept drinks from strangers, as that can lead to a risk of being contaminated. Nonetheless, it is important to stay hydrated and have an understanding of the surrounding locations.
5. Trust your instincts
It is also imperative to trust your instincts. As mentioned before, if you see something, say something. Never do anything outside of your comfort zone. If you want to report something occurring on campus, services are available 24 hours, every day. You can reach Chatham’s Public Safety Department at 412-365-1230.
