The time of year has arrived when your classes in the Lecture Hall have become a symphony of coughs, sneezes and sniffles, but with the added threat of The Swine, we have to be even more careful not to spread or fall victim to germs. So next time you brave it Downtown in the October weather, please keep the following in mind and make your campus a safer place:

Bring your own cup

If you plan on going Downtown, it might be a good idea to bring your own cup so as not to spread germs. Not to insult the bars’ cleanliness, but their cleaning system can be a little lackluster and by supplying your own, you can know exactly how germ-free your cup is.

Most bars have their own mugs you can buy that allow you to partake in drink specials and mug nights. This also adds an environmentally friendly benefit, as you continue to use — and reuse — your mug.

Sip from the side

A party isn’t a party without a round of beer pong, but when you think about how many mouths have been on that cup, you may feel grossed out feelings.

To prevent this, Puja Kenia, a junior psychology major, always insists on using water in the cups and sipping from her own can on the side.

“You don’t know where the ball has been or who has sipped from that cup before,” Kenia said. “I always make a point to drink from my own cup or can.”

Don’t swap spit with strangers

It may be a college norm to make out with people you meet on Scoreboard’s dance floor, but seriously, do you know where his or her mouth has been? So before you drop your inhibitions, talk to your potential one-night whatever and see if you can determine whether or not they’re on the stuffy side or have a hacking cough before you swap spit with them.

Wear clothes

While it may be tempting to brave the cold sans jacket, you are increasing your risk of catching disease. A few bars offer coat checks that aren’t too expensive and although that extra shot of tequila may make you feel like you’re able to brave the chill, it actually increases your chances of hypothermia.

Preethi Fernandez, a junior nursing student, wears layers whenever she goes Downtown.

“I always wear a sweatshirt Downtown because you can always take it off when you get there and it’s not too much of a pain to carry,” Fernandez said.

Wash your hands!

As Health Services constantly reminds us, the best way to prevent diseases from spreading is by washing your hands. You should keep this in mind especially after using bathrooms at frat houses, The Rat or any other skeevy watering hole.

Stefani DiBuono, a senior accounting major, admitted to rarely going Downtown, but when she does she always makes sure to bring a travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer.

“The last time I went out I stuck a small bottle of Purell in my wristlet,” DiBuono said. “It actually did come in handy and I felt much cleaner.”