I’m in college and I’m under 21. Every weekend, I sit in my room, watch TV, maybe play some video games, maybe catch up on some homework. I meet up with my study group and after we go over next week’s lesson, we play some intense games of Connect Four and UNO.

Just kidding.

There might not be a more naive thought in the entire universe than just because I’m under 21, I don’t abide by those same college stereotypes as everyone else.

I’ll admit that I came to college a bit cautious. I didn’t want to get into trouble. I just wanted to do everything the right way, the way it was supposed to be done. But then I finally bit the bullet. The silver bullet, Coors Light, that is, at some point in my freshman year.

As an underager, or “baby”, as I’m affectionately called by my elders, my nightlife activity in terms of bars is pretty limited, unless you know somebody or know somebody who even vaguely resembles you in some way. But again, this isn’t stopping me, or anyone else, from having a good time.

While that bar scene is off limits to those 20 and under, unlike our friends 45 minutes north where being 19 gets you in most bars, there’s still places for those of us born after March of 1992.

The house party scene is where underagers thrive, and Eastern has quite the house party scene. But still, house parties have their benefits and drawbacks. At house parties, more than likely, you are your own bartender, especially if it’s BYOB. At other house parties, five bucks for a cup isn’t a bad deal for all you can drink. You also have much more direct control over the music selection at house parties, so if you don’t feel like listening to dubstep or feel like listening to “Thrift Shop” for the 1,000th time, there’s still hope for you.

House parties also allow you to be your own bouncer as well. Your house, your rules. Kick out whoever you want, invite whoever you want — it’s all in your control.

If you’re comfortable enough with the host of the house party, the party can also serve as a temporary motel if you’re just not in the shape to make that trek back home.

Underage drinking laws aren’t stopping too many people, but there’s still the unlucky few who get booked by the boys in blue for holding that red cup. The best advice is to just not get caught and not run into those situations at all. If something seems a little sketchy, it probably is, and you should leave. As soon as you get to an unfamiliar locations, find the quickest exits in case you need to make your escape.

I’m not the first and I won’t be the last person under the age of 21 to break the law. So, if you’re one of the few delusional people left that think that people under 21 aren’t drinking, I’m just here to tell you you’re wrong.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]