With the end of the Leaving Cert in sight, students are being advised to pace themselves if they plan to consume alcohol as part of their celebrations.

According to drinkaware.ie, students should be prepared if they are going out to celebrate and they should respect the choices of those who do not want to drink.

It has published a Leaving Cert Survival Guide, which provides tips on how to make the most of post-exam celebrations. These include:

-Respect those who do not drink or are not old enough to drink. Do not give them a hard time about it and remember that drinking is not the only way to enjoy a party

-Be prepared - plan how you are going to get home so you are not left stranded anywhere

-Eat before you go out

-Avoid drunken arguments

-Pace yourself. Drink water between drinks

-Never get into a car if the driver had been drinking alcohol

The survival guide also offer tips to students who are planning a holiday abroad after their exams. These include researching the area you are going to, getting travel insurance and taking account of local laws.

"As this year's Leaving Cert students get ready to celebrate, drinkaware.ie is reminding them of great ways to make sure they maximise their fun. By following these hints and tips from their peers and those that have sat the Leaving Cert before, they can ensure memorable parties for all the right reasons," commented the organisation's CEO, Fionnuala Sheehan.