Beer pong. Getting wasted. Canyon Pizza at 2 in the morning. Worshipping the porcelain goddess. Passing out. Hangovers.

For some college freshmen, this is a way of life, but to the Penn State University Police, getting 'crunk' is not nearly as glamorous as it may seem.

"Obviously, this year, we will have a larger freshman class. We also have zero tolerance for underage drinking," said Tyrone Parham, assistant director of police operations for the Penn State University Police. "Anyone caught will receive a citation."

Between May 8 and July 24, 65 underage drinking citations were issued by the university police, a statistic Parham said barely scratches the surface of underage drinkers.

Parham said these citations are sent to the district officer and are part of an offender's permanent record with fines ranging from $0 to $300, a 90-day license suspension and a 90-day jail option for a first offense.

"We cannot cite every person. It's not our goal. We are targeting people who are a public nuisance," he said. "We see a majority of people who are not experienced drinkers. It's their first time away from home, and they have one drink too many."

This excessive inebriation often leads up the road to Mt. Nittany Medical Center.

Maureen Karstetter, vice president for communications at Mt. Nittany Medical Center, said stomach pumping is rarely performed anymore.

Karstetter said other measures are taken to help inebriated individuals recover.

"If you're vomiting, you could get it in your lungs. This could make you sick or be potentially fatal," Karstetter said. We will monitor your blood alcohol level and give you some IV fluids."

Despite the consequences, many young freshmen still take the plunge into the world of Budweisers, beer bonging and boozing.

Eric Silverman (freshman-computer engineering) said he has already started drinking at Penn State.

"In about 30 minutes I could potentially not know my own name," Silverman said. "If you get your work done during the week and it doesn't conflict with school, then it's just wavy gravy."

However, alcoholism can get out of control and can cause problems beyond the typical hangover when one's blood alcohol level surpasses their grade point average.

"Counseling and Psychological Services has a substance abuse counselor on staff," said Linda LaSalle, coordinator of educational services in the office of health promotion and education.

"We have data from 2006 that indicates that most first-year students engage in high-risk drinking patterns," she said.

Defined as five or more beverages for males and four or more for women, high-risk behavior is exhibited by about 40 percent of first year students at Penn State, LaSalle said.

Parham recommended that anyone engaging in this behavior never travel alone. Penn State's 814-865-WALK hotline is available for an escorted trip.

"If you do decide to drink, don't drink in large quantities," Parham said. "We don't encourage it, but please, walk back from a party with someone."

The buddy system can also prevent further debauchery that may lead to more serious offenses.

After a six-week summer session, some incoming freshmen have seen a fair share of beer-goggled mishaps.

"Some guy defecated on our front hallway," Max Thompson (freshman-meteorology) said. "I kind of hope he was drinking. Because if he did that sober, that's just wrong."

Less entertained by the prospect of drinking, some freshmen say they choose to avoid the Penn State party scene altogether.

"Although I'm personally not opposed to underage drinking, I avoid alcohol because I see no need for it," Michael Freiberg (freshman-biochemistry) said.

As their college experiences wear on, some learn to love the atmosphere.

"I love it when you walk down the halls and can smell the alcohol coming out of the rooms," Will Lewis (freshman-hotel, restaurant, and institutional management) said. "It's such a sweet smell. It's absolutely beautiful."

Although the first day of collegiate life can also mean the first sip of alcohol for many college freshmen, Parham leaves a warning with those planning to drink underage.

"Take the consequences seriously," Parham said. "Think before you drink."