It’s November, so you know what that means: Schoolies Week is coming to the Gold Coast.
For the uninitiated, Schoolies is a rite of passage for all Australian high school graduates who celebrate the end of their mandatory schooling by indulging in some serious sun, fun and party time at several locations around the country; the most popular being on the beaches of Surfers Paradise. Similar to the Spring Break traditions held in Cancun, Mexico, for American students, Schoolies is all about (metaphorically of course) flipping the finger to school, letting your hair down and going a little bit wild for a week.
The festivities are split into two weeks: Queensland students take over the Goldie in the first week of celebrations, followed by New South Wales and Victorian students in the second. There are numerous parties, activities and all-ages events planned and staged all across Surfers Paradise, with special nightclub passes available to those who are already rocking an 18+ card.
It’s a time to hang out, hook up and get down with your mates and fellow grads.
It’s also a time where things can get seriously hectic…and fast.
As a born-and-bred local Gold Coaster (and past Schoolie Alum, circa 2000), I have seen it all over the years: from innocent sunburn, lost room keys and homesickness; right through to the gnarly side of drunken brawls, hook ups gone wrong, and the saddest stories of all: the Schoolies who never make it home.
But, if you party safe and keep your wits about you, there’s no reason why your Schoolies Week can’t be the best of your adolescent life. It’s all about partying smarter, not harder.
Here’s some words of advice from a local to help make your Schoolies Week a dream, and not a nightmare.
1. Have a Buddy System
Know where your mates are and make sure they know where you are. I’m not saying you shouldn’t go out and meet new people – hell, that’s half the fun of Schoolies – but just make sure that someone knows where you are and who you’re with at all times. Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, email, texts – it doesn’t matter how you do it, just make sure you’re on the grid at all times, comprende?
Before you leave your accommodation, check to see that you and your friends all have each other’s numbers saved in your phones, and even have them written down and kept somewhere safe just in case technology lets you down. Arrange to meet up at a specific place and time throughout the day/night, just to check in on each other, or in case you get separated.
Keep in touch. Look out for each other.
2. Get Your Bond Back
Remember that piece of paper you signed when you paid your deposit for your accommodation (or the one your parents signed if you’re under 18)? Well, that was a legally binding contract that states you are responsible for whatever happens to that property, including cleaning and damages – so don’t trash the join. Take care of the property and leave it in the same state as when you entered.
Organise a loose cleaning roster with your flatmates for the week and take turns tidying up after the previous night’s shenanigans. Empty the rubbish and take out excess bottles every second day. Wash the dishes, or better yet, don’t even touch the dishes in the unit and just use disposable plates and cutlery for the week.
It’s all about smarter, not harder.
I’m not saying you have to be all OCD and scrub your entire apartment until it sparkles every day, but keeping it tidy and in some semblance of order will make your life a lot easier to manage. No one wants to spend their last day of Schoolies frantically scrubbing an unidentifiable off the walls so they can get their bond back when they vacate in an hour. Trust me.
3. Make Friends With the Red Frogs Crew
These guys are pretty rad.
The Red Frog Crew is a group of volunteers who go around to all the Schoolies accommodation sites and events handing out – yup, you guessed it – red frog lollies. But another important part of their gig is to provide an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on when necessary. They are there to give support, offer advice, and basically check in on how Schoolies are handling their newfound freedom.
These guys are an absolute asset to the Schoolies celebrations and should be some of the first peeps you connect with when you arrive.
4. Be Surf Smart.
Surfers Paradise is one of the most famous beaches in Australia and the lifeguards who patrol it are deadest legends. So listen to them.
Only swim between the flags, even if it means having to walk a little further down from where you are camped. Don’t swim in unpatrolled areas and watch out for gnarly rips.
And under no circumstances should you go swimming at night, especially if you’ve been partying pretty hard and hitting the booze. It won’t end well, my friends.
Oh, and for those Schoolies who love a good surf, here’s a tip: walk up to Narrowneck for better waves and less crowds. Or better yet, catch public transport down to the southern end of the Coast [Burleigh Heads through to Duranbah] for some of the most famous beach and point breaks in Australia. You may even find yourself dropping in on Parko or Occy sometime.
5. Make Good Use of Public Transport.
The GC has seen some massive improvements in its public transport systems in recent years, with the introduction of free bikes, more buses, and even a new light rail transit system that cruises from Southport through to Broadbeach. So do all of us tax-paying locals a favour and use it, okay?
Get yourself a Go-Card and dare to venture out of the hub of Surfers Paradise and go and see what the rest of the Gold Coast has to offer. North or south, east or west, there’s so much of the Goldie to see and there are a number of transport systems all designed to take you there in a quick and cost-efficient manner.
6. Know Your Limits.
Okay, let’s be honest: there’s going to be some drinking involved during Schoolies. I know it, you know it, and so does everyone else. While we can’t really stop you, all we can do is ask that you do it in a safe and mindful manner.
Couple of beers or ciders with your mates in your room? Sweet. We can handle that.
Drinking yourself into oblivion and ending up passed out, or worse, having your stomach pumped in hospital?Not cool, dude.
Know your limits. Respect them. Understand them. And be okay with that.
So before you crack open that next drink, remind yourself that:
a) Underage drinking and public intoxication is an offence and you can be arrested for it.
b) Your liver is an important part of your body and if you do serious damage to it, the rest of your life will not be fun.
c) No one likes a sloppy drunk, especially potential love interests.
d) Getting wasted will not make you cool, popular, or get you laid.
7. Fuel Your Body With the Right Stuff.
Surfers has some awesome restaurants, as well as lots of cheaper options for those budget-conscious Schoolies. Everything from Italian to Indian, Chinese to cheeseburgers, Surfers has you covered.
For those who are celebrating on a budget, head on down to the Woolworths supermarket off Cavill Avenue and load up on some basic staples to stretch your party dollars a little further. Stock up on breakfast items, fruit, vegetables, some simple proteins and lots of bottled water for those long days laying on the beach.
Keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water all day, especially when feeling a little under the weather (I personally like coconut water when feeling dusty because it’s like nature’s Gatorade). Take some basic vitamins to boost your immune system and if you can squeeze in some light exercise during your stay, then your body will thank you.
Remember: Schoolies is a marathon, not a sprint. Take care of yourself.
8. Don’t ruin the start of your new adventure.
During Schoolies Week, the police presence in Surfers multiplies exponentially. Contrary to what some people may believe, they are there to protect Schoolies and to ensure partygoers (and those who live in Surfers) are kept safe. That is something to be respected, not dissed, and if you are stupid enough to test the boundaries of the law (and common decency), then you will suffer the consequences.
Please understand that you are responsible for your actions and if you decide to do something silly, like start a fight, take things too far with a member of the opposite sex, or take a swing at a cop, you will be arrested and that goes on your record. If that happens, you can wave goodbye to any chance you may have of getting certain jobs or travelling to certain countries in the future. And that’s not a good way to start your new adult life.
Girls, don’t be suckered in by the first guy who winks at you. Have a blast and get loose, just not ‘Girls Gone Wild’ style, okay sister?
Respect yourself enough to know when to walk away or to ask for help. Don’t go anywhere (including other people’s apartments) without taking a mate with you. Don’t get involved in anyone’s drama. Just do your own thing and keep your smarts about you.
Got it?
9. Look Out for Tools.
A word on Toolies.
Toolies are the people who come along to Schoolies, although they are not school leavers (and are usually waaaay too old to be there). Some of them come along as invited guests to celebrate with their younger mates; others just want to prey on Schoolies and cause trouble.
Like anyone you meet in life, exercise caution and use your best character judgment before you hang with strangers. Don’t give out your personal details until you’re sure these new acquaintances are legit, and even then, make sure you meet up with them in a public place and with a group of friends. If in doubt, get yo’ butt out.
10. Have a Blast!
At the end of the week, Schoolies is all about celebrating your achievements and embracing a new, independent life as an adult. It’s a time for you to party with your mates, make new friends, and try new things. So live it up!
Go out and get amongst the action. Enter a hotdog-eating contest, dance on the beach under the stars, sing your lungs out, learn to surf, take lots of photos, indulge in treats, laugh your ass off, and make memories. Believe me, the real world is coming at you fast, so enjoy this mini vacay from reality while you can.
Happy Schoolies!
Bonus Tip: Stay off balconies, especially late at night or super early in the morning. That’s where the trouble seems to start.
Featured image by schoolies.com
