The most wonderful time of the year for HBCU students and alumni is here. That’s right, it’s officially homecoming season! Anyone who has experienced an HBCU homecoming knows that it is truly an event unlike any other. It’s a time when students and alumni come together to celebrate their love for their university through a week of exciting events.

HBCU homecoming is a special time-honored tradition that can only be compared to a Black family reunion but on a much wider scale. Everything about homecoming is a whole experience. The tailgating, the pep rally, the parade, the big game, the band, the parties, it can be a lot. There are so many moving parts that go into an HBCU homecoming, sometimes it can be hard to keep up. Whether you’re a homecoming veteran or a newcomer, there are a few survival tips that every HBCU homecoming-goer outta know. Here are five tips for surviving an HBCU homecoming.

Plan Ahead

We’ve already established that homecoming is a big deal and there’s a lot that goes into it so plan ahead. Don’t wait till the last minute to get book your hotel because you’ll most likely be out of luck. Buy your tickets early for any event or party you’re planning on going to and find your moves beforehand. 

Part of planning ahead is getting your outfits together early too. There’s nothing worse than filling your SHEIN or Fashion Nova cart with all your homecoming fits just to see that it’s not gonna get there in time. You’ve had all year to plan for this, order those clothes book that hair appointment EARLY.

Don’t Forget Your Essentials

Homecoming can get pretty hectic and you never know where the day or night might take you with all the moves going on. Make it easier on yourself and keep your essentials on you at all times. I’m talking phone charger, an extra pair of shoes, and most importantly your ID.

There’s a good chance that you’re going to be out all day so the last thing you need is a dead phone. Whether it’s a portable charger or just a regular one, bring it! Also, bring a pair of flats or some other sensible shoes, yes we all want to look cute for homecoming but you’re going to be doing a lot of walking so it’s better to be comfortable. Get your cute Instagram-worthy pic with your heels then throw on those flats. Lastly, don’t forget your ID! You do not want to be the friend who ruins everyone’s night because you forgot your ID at the hotel and can’t get into the party.

Stay Hydrated

Don’t party so hard that you forget to drink some water. Just because it’s not summer anymore doesn’t mean you can’t easily get dehydrated.  In fact, a study from the University of New Hampshire found that your chance of dehydration actually increases during the colder months. 

You don’t want to end up in the hospital because you drink too much alcohol and not enough water, not only will you miss out on homecoming but your friends will probably never let you live that one down. Whether it’s water, Pedialyte, or Gatorade, stock up on enough for the whole week. You can even bring your own custom travel cup displaying your university or fraternity/sorority, whatever makes you more inclined to drink up. 

Move In Groups

The most important part of homecoming survival is to move with your crew. Not only will spending time with your friends during homecoming enhance your experience and make for some lifetime memories but it can also protect you from getting into any danger. You might think you know your campus but during homecoming, it’s hard to decipher who’s a student, who’s an alumnus, who’s a visitor from another university, and who’s a local, so be aware of your surroundings and move accordingly. Moving with your group will help you do this.

Beware of Locals

As much as homecoming is a time for celebration and family coming together, there will be people at events and parties whose intentions are not that. Like I said before in the last tip, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings because you never know who’s on your campus to have fun and who’s there to stir up trouble. Just last year there was a string of campus shootings during homecoming week at several HBCUs including Grambling State, Southern University, and FAMU. Most of the time these shootings are caused by non-student locals bringing violence to the yard so be aware of that and know when to leave the party. 

There may be a lot that goes into homecoming but it is all worth it. There truly is nothing like an HBCU homecoming and the joy it brings, it’s the pinnacle of HBCU culture. It doesn’t matter what HBCU you attended, homecoming connects us all together and celebrates Black joy, Black excellence, and the importance of these great Black institutions. Remember these survival tips and enjoy homecoming season!