With various artists like Boots & Kats, Bingo Loco and CABAL pumping it up, Limerick is going to become one big student party. Charity week (also known as RAG week) is amazing because not only can you and your mates go wild, but you can do it while raising money for this year\u2019s charities: Pieta House, preventing suicide and self-harm and Limerick Marine Search and Rescue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But with a great RAG week, comes great responsibility. Our Student Life President Jack Scanlan and Welfare Officer Serena Hare described RAG week as a \u201cgreat week\u201d and to \u201chave the craic but be responsible.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Particularly, a big issue to be aware of during RAG week is your neighbours! Be mindful that there are other residents in student villages who aren\u2019t students. While you might think belting out the song \u201cMr. Brightside\u201d at three in the morning is great, there are other people with busy lives trying to sleep. <\/span><\/p>\n Jack would also like to emphasise that the university will be clamping down hard on students who go too far by doing things like climbing up on roofs and jumping in fountains. Fliers will be going around this Sunday, emphasising the importance of not going too far or you could have a hefty fine in your pocket! <\/span><\/p>\n Serena recommends carrying a condom and that student life and the university do not condone drugs. They are illegal; however, if you decide to take them, do some research first on Drugs.ie.<\/em> Be safe and make sure your phone is charged! The most important thing is to enjoy the week and if you see the charity bucket going around, pop in some change. <\/span><\/p>\n Last year, charity week raised <\/span>\u20ac<\/span>16,000, and this year UL is hoping to do better and be able to give each charity at least <\/span>\u20ac<\/span>10,000 each.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I decided to personally ask experienced students their opinions of RAG week.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMy experiences are blurry, lots of drink, can\u2019t really remember RAG but lots of craic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cRAG is a great week! College is 100% optional this week and comes second to cans. Can\u2019t wait for RAG this semester!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n (I\u2019m sorry UL lecturers, but it seems that you will be teaching empty rooms this week).<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt made me stone broke! RAG is good to meet people you don\u2019t know and make friends but you\u2019ll probably wake up the next day and forget who they are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n When asked about advice they would give to the hooligans going out on RAG this year, the tone changed from absolutely buzzing to very, very serious.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cDo NOT bring out your bank card, trust me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t take drugs, especially if you don\u2019t know where they\u2019ve come from.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSet an alarm for 1 AM and if you\u2019re still out, drink a pint of water.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMy girlfriend got spiked last year, keep an eye on each other and your drinks because you can\u2019t rely on peoples\u2019 decency.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Overall, go out and enjoy yourself for RAG this year. However, remember to stay mindful and responsible to keep RAG as fun as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/rag-300x169.jpg\")