10 a.m. Start with the ”most important meal of the day.” A hearty breakfast helps line your stomach and gives you a leg up in terms of drinking. See our recipe for a Spanish omelette (right).
Rule #1: Start Light
10:30 a.m. Kegs and eggs sound like a winning combo, but such a heavy one-two punch might weigh you down (and fill you up). Stick with lower-proof drinks. We suggest some cheap champagne (Andre!) and orange juice to give you a bounce in your Fling step.
Rule #2: Snacks are Key
12 p.m. Fortunately, snacks are aplenty in the Quad. With various concession stands offering chicken fingers, fries, funnel cake and Fat Jack’s fried Oreos, these foods are perfect for sharing and fueling up. While sneaking alcohol into the Quad is tricky, sneaking a few lighter snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks, cereal) is recommended.
Rule #3: Hydration is Your Friend
2:30 p.m. As you’re visiting your old freshman room and downing some jungle juice, remember that drinking water is key to staying strong this Fling. While some recommend one glass of water per alcoholic drink, that might not be feasible. When you’re Quad room-hopping, grab a water bottle.
Rule #4: Drink a Beer, Take a Break
5 p.m. Drinking too much hard liquor can take its toll. When possible, have a drink handy and pass up that call for shots. Beers are a good midday alternative — (possibly) refreshing and low proof.
6 p.m. Nap, with a bottle of water by your side.
Rule #5: Eat Small Doses, Frequently
7:30 p.m. Free food at the Carnival never tasted so good. The all-star line-up includes: Chipotle, Capogiro, Magic Carpet, Pat’s Cheesesteaks and Wild One. Carnival favorites like cotton candy and popcorn will also be available. Lucky for you, these free samples are usually small and heavy (lining that stomach once again!).
Rule #6: Stay Away from Energy Drinks
10 p.m. You’re quickly fading after a go in the “Moon Bounce” on College Green. Red Bull is offering free cans at the carnival. STEER CLEAR. These drinks might seem like quick-fixes, but they only mask the effects of alcohol and may drive you to drink more than you can handle.
Rule #7: Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd
12 a.m. Whether you’re frequenting house parties, frat parties or the downtown scene, holding two drinks at a time may be your best bet. Sounds counterintuitive (and when you’re drunk, logic is pretty much out the door anyways), but when you’ve got two drinks in hand — beer and mixed drink balance each other out — it’s easier to turn down a friend offering you one more.
2 a.m. With Philly Diner no longer providing 24-hour service, your best bets for late-night grub are McDonald’s or Wawa.
10 a.m. Rally and Repeat.
