On a college campus, for other than a shooter on campus, a handgun is a less desirable weapon, unless the gun owner is very experienced.
In such a circumstance, I would prefer a knife. Since often the legal limit is a 3” blade, I would select a 3” serrated kitchen knife with a hard sheath. Here are the advantages.
1) It is convenient. They can always have it on their person without discomfort. It is also expendable. Dip in bleach before discarding.
2) It gives the tactical advantage of concealment, which should not be underestimated. The rule of thumb is to hold the knife in the hand with the blade hidden behind the wrist.
3) Most conflicts on campus are short and very short range. A big plus for knives over guns.
4) Even a blind drunk will notice a gash on the hand.
The best part is the training. Give them a watermelon and tell them to cut it up—slashing only. Tell them to alternate hands. By the time they finish that watermelon, they will understand that knife. N.B.: have some spare knives in case the blade breaks.
The advice about making your own drinks and never leaving your drink unattended is a good one. Add to that, that “vodka is not precious”, so if someone gives you a glass of it, find the nearest sink and replace it with water—nobody will know.
Despite all else, if you drink too much, make yourself throw it up before you have to throw it up. Keep Tums or baking soda water handy so you don’t burn your throat with stomach acid.
See how others behave when someone passes out. That shows you how they will behave if *you* pass out. The “nicest” thing for someone else who passes out is to leave them face down in a drain so they don’t choke. This should give you some idea about what “not nice” could mean.
And if they see someone passed out cold on their back, roll them onto their side, so they don't drown if they puke.