Congratulations! You've survived Move In day, Fraternity or Sorority Rush, and possibly your first week of classes. Now, all you can think about is your first night going out with your new found freedom. Anyone can tell you to be safe and be responsible but few can give you a detailed list of Tips for your first night out. So that is exactly what I am going to give you.
Number 1: Do Make A Game Plan
Figure out what group of friends you are going out with, make sure you have all of their phone numbers, and decide on the time you want to stay out till. Sticking to a Game Plan can ensure you all are on the same page and know how to contact everyone if the plan suddenly changes.
Number 2: Stay with a Buddy
Your group might be large and all want to explore different locations so make sure you stay with at least one other person. Sticking with a buddy gives you not only a friend to dance with but someone to rely on if things go sour.
Number 3: Find My Friends is Essential
That tiny little app that you probably have hidden in some random folder on your phone will now become your best friend. The last thing you want is to disappear from your group and not be able to find them later. By using Find my Friends you can easily look up their locations and send them an Uber, Lyft, or someone to go pick them up if needed.
Number 4: Learn the Specials
If you plan on going out the best thing to know is the specials that each place offers. The goal is to spend as little money as possible with the greatest bang for your buck. In order to do that you need to search your city's downtown websites/ twitters/ or instagrams to find what they offer each day of the week. Schedule your nights out around those days.
Number 5: Get There Early
Yes, I know that showing up early isn't exactly what you want to do but waiting in long lines for over a half hour is definitely not a good time. I promise that the place will fill up in no time and you will be happy that you had no wait in line outside or to be served. Being early doesn't mean showing up an hour before you know things will get packed but a mere 15 to 20 minutes. You will thank me later when you see people entering and trying to look good when they have been sweating profusely outside before even hitting the dance floor.
Number 6: Watch What You Wear
Whether girl or guy you must make sure you wear the proper attire. Some locations might have a dress code while some may not. Be prepared for anything. If you are a girl and decide to wear heels just know you are making a commitment. Those shoes should not come off until you reach your home at the end of the night no matter how much your feet hurt. Suck up the pain and put a bandaid on it if you have too girl!
Number 7: Don't Break the Bank
You are just looking for a nice night out, not the cost of a Beyonce concert ticket. This goes hand in hand with knowing the specials. I suggest you bring cash over card any day because at least with cash you limit the amount of money you can spend. This helps you not only keep your bank account at a reasonable amount but also prevents the minimum $10 charge most places have.
Number 8: Know Your Surroundings
We have all heard those horror tales of people being abducted, drugged by a drink, and getting unwanted attention from people on the road. I am not going to say this doesn't happen because I would be lying to you. This 100% happens and you have to be prepared for it. You always need to know where you are, who you are with, and watch your back (or have your "Mom" and "Dad" of the night do it for you). Please DO NOT ever put your drink down. Also, if you are offered something that looks shady or smells shady than do not drink it under any circumstances. Everyone wants to have a fun night without having to go to either the hospital or the police station.
Number 9: Limits are Everything
When I say know your limits I mean all of them. This includes your spending limit, drinking limit, and your picture/video limit. First off, you do not want to break Tip # 7 and empty your wallet. Also, you do not want to be the person that has the worst night of their life by consuming way too much. If you can even drink some water in between that would be ideal. Lastly, it is a lot of fun taking photos and doing things on social media but you don't want to be the person to wake up the next morning and regret it. Ditch the phone with your "Mom" or "Dad" if you think you can't handle yourself.
Number 10: Be Courteous and Patient
In order to have a successful and fun night you must do both. Don't freak out when someone spills something on you, steps on you, or yells at you. The best choice is to just shake it off and move on. Also, you don't want to be the person who spills something, steps on someone, or starts yelling at people. This can totally ruin your night and everyone you are with as well. Being courteous and patient = happy endings.
Number 11: Have a Designated "Mom" and Dad"
Thank you to these brave souls who have taken the job as DD or designated "Mom" and Dad." You have one of the hardest duties but you can still have fun if you do it right. Your job is to make sure your "children" have a great time and stay safe. This includes; knowing their locations, providing transportation, and keeping your "babies" out of danger. If you are not the transportation then you might have more fun than if you were. Please don't be afraid to take video/pictures because you are going to be the person that can tell the best stories of the night. Also, remember that you are important because we could all be dead without you. I cannot stress that enough!
Number 12: Don't Forget to Clean Up
Once you are home you must clean up. If you are a girl this includes taking off your makeup (if you have any left), brushing your teeth, and possibly taking a shower. You will be very happy with yourself in the morning if you do this. Also, if you are a boy please brush your teeth, wash your face (but hopefully your whole body), and take off those clothes you're wearing because they probably smell horrible. The most important thing for everyone is to drink some water before you go to bed. Even if it is just a glass it can make your tomorrow go from bad to okay.
I hope you take these tips and use them wisely! Remember, your goal is to have a great time and make your night the best. It might be scary to go out for the first time, but it will probably be the night you remember the most. Always be responsible for your actions and be honest as well. These tips apply to all nights out too, so have fun, live like you're young (because you are), and STAY SAFE!
