For football season, we can more eloquently refer to ‘pre-gaming’ or ‘pre-funking’ as tailgating.

Long gone are the penny-pinching days of not being able to afford booze and food because, in this amazing parking-lot celebration world it’s all free.

The strategy for tailgating is to enter as a group and hit as many parties as possible. Just think of how bar-hopping works and apply it to any tailgating scenario.

Attending tailgating parties also not only allows for some fun, it is a huge money-saver. Many know what it’s like to constantly worry about money, especially when most of us aren’t making any while attending school. Tailgate-hopping kills two birds with one stone and makes that ‘ballin’ on a budget’ lifestyle possible.

During these festivities, school spirit increases making it much easier to subtly mooch some food and drinks off friendly tailgate hosts.

The same strategies used while bar-hopping can also be applied to tailgate-hopping. When deciding on what bars to hit, the biggest factor is figuring out where your friends will flock to.

That being said, nothing is worse than arriving at a tailgate party and not knowing anyone there. It creates awkward moments and the feeling of being a small fish in a big pond.

Alumni tend to throw the best tailgate parties; they’ve been doing it for years and usually offer delicious food options. Current students might find themselves hanging out with friendly graduates of WSU around their motor homes and state-of-the-art barbecues. And, again, with a little diplomacy, you can get it all for free.

The most important part of tailgate-hopping is knowing when it’s time to move on. When the alcohol is running low and the food starts tasting bland, it’s time to relocate.

Again, apply what you know from the bars: people never go to the quiet, empty bars with little drink variety. It’s important to choose wisely because at tailgating parties you are who you hang out with.

Make sure to pace yourself. When the football game ends, the bars will still be the place to go. Many people look at tailgating as a precursor for what is to come later in the evening. While it’s important that we celebrate responsibly, both tailgate- and bar-hopping are fool-proof methods to have a great time.