Holiday party survival tips: 7 Do's and Don’ts Every student should know

Challenging the holidays

The holiday season is a rollercoaster of social gatherings. EduBierdie loves winter for that — it is true! We also know that this period can be challenging, though, especially for students.

Every student is eventually caught between the jingle of good vibes and the subtle dread of party faux pas. However, the key to the problem is that they do not know how to flex Elf-level enthusiasm and navigate the minefield of college holiday party etiquette. One wrong move, and you’re the meme of the season. 

We’ve been there (we consider memes about EduBirdie funny, but at that time, it didn’t seem that hilarious)! That’s why we can assure you: fear not! After all of our holiday party downs, we crafted the perfect strategy to enjoy the ho-ho fest! It’s all about balancing the cheer with the chill.

Today, EduBirdie will help you master holiday social etiquette and unleash your networking superpowers! Read party tips for students during the holidays below and enjoy the Christmas party! Jingle-gooooo!

Do dress for the occasion. Don’t overdo it!

You may ask, “How do I survive holiday parties as a student?” (That is probably why you are reading this guide.) The first rule we love and appreciate is bringing confidence with you!

You may also say, “Omg, are you crazy, EduBirdie? It is not THAT easy!” We get it. Still, while the art of confidence might take more time to craft, one thing will help you fasten the process: your outfit!

The holiday outfit is more than just fabric — your unspoken RSVP and a vibe check for the night. Choose the look that will make others say “SLAY” (if that’s your aim).

Remember, the goal is balance. Dressing too casually can feel like showing up to a Beyoncé concert in Crocs while going full Met Gala can make you the unintentional centerpiece. 

Follow the dress code, but let your style personality shine — subtle embellishments, a hint of sparkle, or a bold accessory can do wonders.

Anyways, the words are useless here; let’s get inspired by some fashionable boys and girls on tik tok because they already know how to SLAY the Christmas spirit:

• https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNeTGQkAU/ 
• https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNeTGSMHR/ 
• https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNeTGx1pY/ 
• https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNeTGyHgX/
• https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNeTGgWvd/
• https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNeTGurVu/ 
• https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNeTGBee4/ 
• https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNeTGx7T8/ 

Do bring a thoughtful contribution. Don’t show up empty-handed!

So, you chose your “miss or mister holiday fashion diva” outfit — AMAZING! The next step is to think about the host of the party you are joining! Indeed, rolling into a holiday party without a gift may be awkward. A little host appreciation goes a long way, and thoughtful contributions should not nuke your wallet. 

Skip the last-minute panic dash to the corner store for uninspired candles. Part of mastering holiday social etiquette for students is showing guest manners that sparkle as brightly as the Christmas lights. Plan ahead!

What we love to do is to get inspired by our favorite movies. Don’t think that it is odd, because it works every time! 

• For a vibe as classic as “Love Actually”, consider bringing a small bouquet of dried flowers with a handwritten thank-you note — timeless, chic, and unforgettable.
• Feeling more like “The Grinch” (pre-redemption arc)? Opt for something quirky, like a funky bottle opener paired with a bottle of sparkling cider, perfect for those cozy vacation vibes.
• Foodie parties? Pull a “Julie & Julia” move and bring something you whipped up — chocolate-dipped pretzels or a jar of homemade salsa will win hearts (and taste buds).

If you need more ideas, we already have a gift guide to help you plan ahead and find something personal yet budget-friendly for the Christmas party host.

Do mingle and network. Don’t stick to your inner circle!

Fortunately (or not), holiday parties are not the cafeteria from “Mean Girls”. We believe a holiday party is like a live-action social map — your chance to explore uncharted territories instead of circling the same old block. Sure, it’s tempting to cling to your crew, but sticking to your inner circle is the social equivalent of playing it safe in the kiddie pool. The big splash happens when you step out and start making waves. 

We are sorry for all of these metaphors if they sound too much. What we mean is it is a perfect time to master networking tips at holiday parties! It isn't about trading business cards or LinkedIn handles — it’s about chill conversations that can end up in good friendships!

Some recommendations to break the ice: 

• Start with a quirky observation about the holiday season's unofficial mascot (yes, that one questionable Christmas sweater), or dive into a light topic like favorite vacation spots. Keep it breezy — this isn’t a college debate tournament.
• Listen more than you talk! Still, share some facts of your life to not sound as detective who’s asking questions only :)
• For the socially timid, here’s a hack: treat the room like a human puzzle. Spot the outliers (the ones pretending their phone is suddenly the most interesting thing in the world) and rope them into a chat. 
• Holiday social gatherings are about building vibes, not stealing spotlights. Be generous with your energy, but don’t monopolize anyone’s time. Remember basic party etiquette. 
• Leave each interaction with a casual, “Let’s catch up later,” and move on. The key is moderation! 

Do enjoy the festivities. Don’t overindulge!

Holiday party planning for students can not be full without tasty tips! You can end up at an event with endless platters of appetizers or the ever-flowing punch bowl. No need to lose control over all of this! Play your cool, here is how:

Snack Strategically

The buffet is not a battlefield. Take a sampler approach — grab a bit of everything that looks good, but don’t pile your plate sky-high like it’s your last meal before winter break. Taste, savor, repeat. You’ll look chic, stay light, and avoid post-party regrets.

Hydration Is Your Wingman

For every festive drink, pair it with water. Consider it your social cool-down. This keeps your head clear and gives you the stamina to last through the evening without any awkward “holiday season mishaps.”

Master the Art of “No, Thanks”

Peer pressure at festive events is as predictable as Mariah Carey’s holiday chart domination. A polite but firm “No, thanks” with a smile is all you need. If someone presses further, a playful “I’ve got a marathon of Christmas sweaterphotoshoots tomorrow” can diffuse the situation.

Pace Your Fun

We will tell you a secret: food and drinks are also EduBirdies' favorite part of the evening. However, the tasty fairytale shouldn't steal the show. Instead, focus on connecting with people, enjoying the décor, or appreciating the host's efforts. A little host appreciation goes a looooong way!

Do respect the host’s rules. Don’t show bad guest manners!

Every holiday party survival guide should come with this golden rule: don’t bite the hand that feeds you (or pours your drink). 

The host sets the vibe, so honor their sanctuary. Shoes off at the door? Do it. Plastic cups for the carpet’s sake? Cool. 

Keep your footprint light — party etiquette means cleaning up after yourself, not turning their kitchen into a war zone of empty bottles and crumpled napkins. 

When the clock strikes, “Maybe I’ve overstayed”, take the hint and head out. A follow-up text or a quick thank-you note? That’s elite-level guest manners (p.s.: it ensures you’ll get an invite next time).

Do keep your social media in check. Don’t overshare!

Another cardinal do's and don’ts for holiday parties: Snap the moment, don’t broadcast the mess. Know when to post and when to pocket your phone. Not everyone wants to star in your random Instagram story, and your third drink doesn’t need a TikTok debut. Even if you’re a blogger! 

Here are a few thoughtful social media tips to live by: 

• Ask before tagging. 
• Avoid oversharing.
• Embody responsible behavior online. 
• Respect the boundaries.
• Keep it cute, not cringey.

Do plan your exit strategy. Don’t leave without thanking the host!

Listen carefully: ghosting might work after a bad date, but it’s a social crime at a party. Swan off is outdated and uncool. You don’t want to be uncool, right?

For responsible partying for college students, have an exit plan: call an Uber before your energy flatlines or promise yourself one last drink before c’est la vie.

And don’t forget to thank your host — sincerely. We’ve talked about it already: respect the etiquette and house rules. A quick, heartfelt goodbye seals the deal, ensuring you’re remembered as the guest with immaculate vibes, not a “Who was that?” moment. 

It is especially important for newsies! For tips for freshmen, this move is essential: leave with grace, and you’ll score points for manners and future invites. We assure you that you want to be invited to future events!

Do do’s, don’t do don’ts, holiday the holidays!

There's more to the holiday season than glitter and endless music. It's a crash course in striking a balance between charm and mayhem. 

Remember that it all comes down to understanding when to shine and when to turn down the lights! Bring the holiday cheer, but keep it classy! And now we talk about everyone: the party planner or host, the one with excellent guest relations or networking skills, the guru, the freshman or senior! 

Soooo, lean into the magic of this winter, embrace new connections, and keep those thank-you notes ready. After all, student party tips boil down to this: respect the vibe, enjoy the moment, and holiday like a pro.

EduBirdie wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Ho-ho-ho!