Drinking at college parties, an experience that some students see as integral in enjoying the freedom of college life, and that can often lead to problems, including the risk of sexual assault.

According to statistics from the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, the first six weeks of college are the most dangerous time for sexual assault. More than 50 percent of college sexual assaults occur during this time, a time known as the “red zone.”

This is why we at the Daily Eastern News urge Eastern students to practice safe drinking and to protect one another when in party settings.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe in situations where drinking may be involved:

Keep an eye on your friends, planning to arrive and leave together and checking in with them during the night to see how they’re doing.

Don’t leave a drink unattended, either take it with you or throw it out.

Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know or trust.

Check-in with yourself, especially if your body experiences a sudden change or you feel more intoxicated than you are comfortable with.

Also, a reminder that though it is best to stay safe while drinking alcohol, sexual assault is never the victim’s fault, regardless of whether or not they were sober when it occurred.

Though we understand that enjoying your college days is important to you, we hope you know that your health and safety is just as important.