Every Penn State girl who bears the cold to enjoy a night full of dancing, boys and cute outfits knows that there is one necessity that cannot be forgotten: a fracket.

Fall just started here in Happy Valley. However, it gets cold at night pretty quickly. It may be 65 during the day, but the temperatures can drop down to a brisk 30 degrees at night. The weather around here is very bipolar. As the temperatures begin to drop, having a fracket with you when you go out at night is a must. Wearing a skimpy crop top with a super short skirt is asking for frostbite. Having a nice warm jacket to wear in Fratland will ensure that you don’t miss any socials due to a flu.

What the heck is a fracket, anyway? A fracket is a jacket that you wear when you go out to a frat. Get it? 

Now that you know what a fracket is, here are the rules to using one when you go out. Below is a list you should know before you “make a trade” for a different fracket. 

1. If someone claims it’s their fracket, just back down and give it back. Don’t cause a scene. If another girl claims it’s her jacket, just give it up. Lie and say you thought it was yours. It’s not worth getting in a fight about. You never know where you may see her around campus, and no one likes awkward situations. 

2. Do not, I repeat, do not, steal a fraternity brother's jacket. Fraternities are nice enough to let use into their homes. Don’t take something from one of the brothers. If they found out who took it, it can make things awkward. It can also make your sorority look bad, and I’m pretty sure you do not want that. 

3. Hide your fracket in a safe spot. Don’t just throw it on a bench like everyone else. Hide it under a sink or behind the couch instead of on top of it. If you know a brother that lives in the house, ask if you can keep it in his room. That is most likely the safest spot if you don’t want your fracket to get stolen.

4. If someone steals your fracket, it’s free game to take another. Let’s be real - frackets go through a cycle. You start with one from high school but it gets stolen. Then, you acquire a random Penn State one. Now, you are currently sporting a fracket from another university. If you happen to have the misfortune of having your fracket stolen, I consider it fair game to take someone else’s. Don’t call me a thief! This is just how the fracket system works. 

5. Do not take a fracket from your sorority sister. This can get awkward. Socials are generally only with your sisters. If you take another sister's fracket after a social, it’s obvious a sister took it. You don’t want to be confronted by your sister when she knows you have it. Also, it’s awkward when you show up at the next social wearing hers. Word of advice: don’t take a fracket from a sister. If you accidentally take it, just give it back and apologize for the accidental mix-up. 

6. Wash your fracket frequently. Ew. Why is this sweatshirt wet? Frats are not the cleanest places. Clean your fracket at least after every weekend. Maybe even have a few frackets so you are able to use a clean one each night. That's what I try to do.

7. If you have any sentimental connection with your fracket, don’t bother bringing it out. I’m not saying it’s going to get lost or stolen, but it may happen. Use a fracket that you wouldn’t mind losing. Your favorite sweatshirt might be super comfy and warm, but losing it can leave you cold and unhappy. Go to WalMart or Goodwill and pick up a cheap one if you don’t have one you are ready to part ways with.