How to Celebrate Leavers Safely And Still Have a Blast

Congrats, you made it!

It’s that time of year again—when this year’s high school graduates descend upon Australia’s fave holiday destinations for a week-long celebration of finally finishing school.

It’s been a big year and you’ve worked hard, so there’s no doubt in the world you deserve it.

While partying is a whole lotta fun, it’s important to pace yourself and plan ahead so you know exactly what to do if things start to get delulu.

We get it–safety is probs not your priority when it comes to letting your hair down, but you want your Schoolies week (or Leavers for WA folk) to be memorable for all the right reasons.

Don’t ghost 👻

It might sound boring when all you wanna do is start the fun, but have a quick convo with your friends before you head out and decide on a meet-up spot if you get split up.

If you don’t already, make sure you have all your friends’ mobile numbers and that everyone knows the name and address of your accommodation in case the worst happens and someone’s phone dies (extra tip: make sure to take a portable charger).

Always look out for your mates like you would want them to do for you–don’t let them go home alone or with someone they just met, and don’t make a sneaky exit without letting them know.

And call your mum. We know, we know, this is an exciting time to get away from your folks, but it only takes two seconds to flick through a text to say you’re safe and well.

If you’re going to drink, be smart.

This might seem obvious, but it’s important. Alcohol (and drugs) can get you into all kinds of sticky situations and should be avoided, especially if you’re not 18 yet.

But, if you are legally allowed and choose to drink, there are resources available to do so safely. And those resources should live in your head rent free this week.

Read up on the government's Drug Aware and Alcohol Think Again websites. They’ve got great advice about not mixing your drinks, not drinking on an empty stomach, spacing out your alcoholic intake and how to avoid drink spiking.

And don’t forget, if you feel unwell, there are medics at most Leavers/Schoolies events who can provide help. They won’t call the police or your parents if they don’t have to, they’ll just make sure you’re okay.

Don’t ruin your hot girl summer.

Or in other words, stay hydrated and be sun smart. It’s only the beginning of summer in Australia and you don’t want to get heat exhaustion so badly it traumatises you for the rest of the spicy season.

Wear your sunnies and a hat (make them a fashion statement), sunscreen (which should be part of your everyday skincare routine anyway) and seek shade where you can–especially if it’s hot or you’re drinking alcohol.

Avoid dehydration by drinking enough water so you don’t feel unwell, and you’ll be living your very best Leavers life.

Remember there are other options if you don’t want to party.

If partying actually sounds like your worst ‘mare, you could always consider an alternative Schoolies trip.

There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer overseas, or if you’d rather explore countries and cultures of the world to celebrate finishing school, you could go backpacking, which is basically an Aussie rite of passage.

Perhaps if the funds don’t allow an international adventure, you could scout spots closer to home because we’ve got some incred locations right here in our backyard!

Or if you need more inspiration, check out our article here for a bunch of ideas for things you can do that aren’t partying, or sitting at home moping that you aren’t partying.