Students may want to think twice before testing their limits with on- and off-campus drinking.

This weekend began the kickoff of apartment complex parties and on-campus students walking into residence halls at late hours in the night.

Isabella County Sheriff’s Department sent out extra deputies during Welcome Weekend to ensure parties did not get out of hand.

“We are taking a proactive approach towards apartments with highly visible parties such as loud music,” said Leo Mioduszewski, Isabella County Sheriff.

Once police have approached a party, the apartment is kept on record.

“Deputies log the time, date and nature of the problem at the apartment,” he said. “Apartment managers are contacted and kept up to date with certain apartments that have had nuisance parties.”

Mioduszewski said students who are caught drinking underage will receive a minor in possession citation without warning.

Central Michigan University Police also are on the lookout for underage drinking.

“We don’t have significant drinking on campus; however, tailgating is where most of the college drinking occurs,” said CMU police chief Stanley Dinius. “Use common sense and work with friends to make it as safe as possible.”

Beverly Hills sophomore Emily Reynolds, a Towers desk assistant, said it is difficult to determine whether underage drinking will increase throughout or decrease over the year.

“I’m sure after Welcome Weekend it will die down,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds said the first few months at college is the time when students try to figure out where they fit in.

Part of a desk assistant’s job is to check in students after midnight and search big backpacks when brought into the residence hall.

Reynolds said she has never found drinking as entertaining as some do.

“Some of the best nights with my friends have been without alcohol,” she said.

Mioduszewski said students should have a good time but stay safe.

“Be aware we’re going to be out there, and if you’re caught drinking, there will not be a warning,” he said.

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