13 ideas to make your next red card (un)forgettable
Red cards are an art form, a true masterpiece of student debauchery and delight. Passed down from student to student, they’re the social highlight of any year. Live, love, laugh red cards.
The basic rule of a red card is that anyone can pull their red card once a year. If someone pulls a red card, everyone in the flat must attend, plus any close mates you have. Don’t be a dick and pull it in exam season though, no one likes that person.
Red cards are NOT a costume party, think bigger and better. Sure, costumes can be a fun element, but it’s the disciplinary nature of a red card that makes them so compelling. The rules should correspond with the theme, and guests should abide by them with full commitment, or at least until you’re too fucked.
A hot tip is be smart with your alcohol choice. The host may provide alcohol or dictate what to bring, but if not, opt for a box of beer or RTDs over wine or spirits. Chances are, you’re gonna be drinking a lot, so be practical!! I beg of thee.
As with all things, consent is key. The relationship between host and guest is much like that of a dom and sub. You can be dominating, but there’s trust and respect within that framework that you shouldn’t violate. Look out for your mates, and don’t let them get too fucked up. If they don’t want to drink, then respect their choices.
With the basics established, the rest is the fun part: the theme! If you’re stuck for ideas however, don’t worry. Massive asked some students about their best red card experiences, so enjoy x
“Year 7 and 8 Disco. Boys and girls have to sit on separate sides of the room. Have a scull race about half an hour in, and the last one to finish has to be the one to break the ice. Lots of glow sticks and mixed vodka with those mini bottles of budget soft drinks. Conga lines, you name it.”
“Love a good Court Session. Everyone gets the chance to call people out on their shit (like talking about the time your mate shat himself, etc.,) and then the defendant can defend themselves with a little speech. The judge gets to dish out punishments in the form of drinks. If you want to really go for it, dress up as fancy lawyers or criminals. Give people roles of jury or cops etc. Go full on court drama.”
“Foot fetish red card. Everyone turns up in bare feet, you have to go out in the street and convince strangers to let you do a shoey from their shoes.”
“Do a full day of classes with your mates, but put vodka in a water bottle and have a set of subtle drinking rules for the fucked shit your lecturers say.”
“Okay, hear me out. Everyone does a box and gets naked. Basically, you have to streak outside and try to stay outside the longest. First one back has to drink something foul. Last one back gets a prize (we like to give them ket).”
“A lock-in is always good fun, but it can get a little basic. Consider spicing it up by having a shower lock-in. A thermal lock-in where you cram into a small bedroom and blast several heaters on full volume. No one can leave until everyone’s box is finished.”
“David Bain theme, haha. Everyone wears ugly dad sweaters, and you do a shot in every room. Bit of dark humour but a real classic.”
“Possum. Find a tree that can hold you and your mates. Everyone gets in, has a box. Basically, you drink until you fall out, you can only climb down once you’ve finished your box. Would recommend a low-lying tree lol. Have a couple of mates that have broken their arms, but it’s reasonably harmless.”
“Drop acid and visit Gloriavale. Shit’s fucked.”
“Prom! Get some ugly ball dresses and cake makeup. You have to bring a date, and often we set up some form of scavenger hunt to get everyone to bond. You know, things like borrow a condom from someone, or steal a beer from a flat.”
“My flat always does a Tinder red card. Everyone has to whip out their Tinder, match with someone and convince them to come. It’s the perfect setting, and one time it almost led to an orgy. So close.”
“Me and my mates did a Centurion one summer. Best time ever. One shot of Billy Mavs (or any drink of your choice) every minute, for 100 minutes. Can’t drink the shit again, but incredible night.”
“Beep test. Get the beep test going, only on every beep you do a shot. Lots of vomiting, but some people have incredible form.”