Tips and tricks to survive Schoolies 2021 from a survivor

These are just a few tips for anyone going to Schoolies, from someone who knows. Hint one: Take some meals, otherwise Macca’s and Dominos will eat up all your cash.

Sunday night at Schoolies 2019. 18th November 2019 Surfers Paradise AAP Image/Richard Gosling

THESE are a few tips for anyone who is going to Schoolies from someone who has been there done that.

Firstly and very importantly, take pre-cooked meals otherwise you’ll spend all your money on Macca’s and Dominos.

There is no doubt Schoolies has built up quite a reputation for itself but honestly if you go looking for trouble you’ll find it. If you don’t, you’ll have one of the greatest weeks of your life.

I truly do believe it is something you have to experience, whether you are at Surfers Paradise, Noosa or even just camping.

It may be a bummer that you can’t go overseas this year to Bali (probably to many parents’ relief) but make the most of what you’ve got. It’s excellent.

Gold Coast Bulletin journalist Crystal Fox gives her tips to surviving Schoolies. Picture: Jerad Williams

But just make sure you are with the right group of people because they are essentially your Schoolies experience.

I started Year 12 in 2017 and from the beginning, both of my older brothers continuously brought up their fond memories of Schoolies. I guess they never really gave me an option not to go. I am super glad I did. It was a rite of passage.

Schoolies is back in 2021 after it didn’t officially go ahead last year due to the pandemic. Surfers Paradise AAP Image/Richard Gosling

The first conundrum you will encounter is who you are spending your week with. As I said, this is key.

The majority of my grade stayed at Mantra’s Circle on Cavill tower, which was a party in itself. After a lot of drama about who was staying with who, I opted to go with one friend from high school, her boyfriend and his friend, both of whom I had never met before.

It was kind of nerve-racking at first staying with some people I didn’t really know but I think it was the perfect timing to do something new and adventurous.

On Monday, Schoolies organised for the famed Surfers nightclubs to be able to open for us (as most of us were underage) and this by far was one of my favourite nights.

It was my first time inside a club, and I remember looking in the mirrors in Cocktails with lights flashing everywhere and just being so happy and excited to be there.

The thing with Schoolies is, everyone there has something in common since you all just finished 12 years of schooling.

Make sure you bring pre-cooked meals. Maccas and pizza will make your money disappear quickly. Surfers Paradise AAP Image/Richard Gosling

That is probably the main thing I remember, thinking ‘Wow, everyone is just so happy to be here’. Although I think the excitement got to me.

By Wednesday I was sick as a dog, most likely from drinking a tad too much, I confess.

On Thursday another friend and I were approached by hawkers along Cavill Ave and they invited us to go on a party boat for the day. We were very sceptical of what it would be like at first but we just said ‘why not, we are at Schoolies’.

They got everyone on the boat to put on a sticker to show if you were, ‘taken’, ‘single’, or ‘horny’. I remember my friend was approached by a guy who quite clearly had not gone for a shower the entire week and she said ‘I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude but you smell really bad’. He then went into the bathroom and washed himself with the hand soap. We still laugh at the memories from that day.

As Schoolies was wrapping up, we heard that a group of boys trashed a Mantra Sun City penthouse and posted it on social media.

A reporter gives her dos and don’ts for schoolies. AAP Image/Richard Gosling

Don’t do this – remember you have to go back to real life once the week is over and you don’t want a black mark against your name because it’ll come back and bite you.

Looking back now I wish I went out much more during the day and took advantage of what Surfers had to offer. For example the electric scooters, day trips on boats, even just sitting at the beach. If you are going this year, push yourself to go out and get some sun, you’ll thank me later.

Now I know Schoolies 2021 will be different to when I went just a few years ago but some fundamentals will stay the same. Never ever go somewhere by yourself. Always take a buddy.

Always stay aware of your surroundings and always keep your phone charged in case of an emergency.

Most importantly, have fun but be safe because at the end of the day you have hit a time of a great achievement, having graduated, and you deserve to have the time of your life.