Whether it's a Taco Tuesday, a Thirsty Thursday, or a Friday/Saturday night after a week long of studying: you're ready for a carefree night of fun. But it's UCI, and everything closes by 11 p.m. You and your friends are contemplating going out, but at this point you've outgrown the sweaty house parties in VDC that get duty called on by 10 p.m. You're not necessarily in the mood to get dressed up and go to some night club with weird dudes trying to rub up against you. So you opt for the nearest and cheapest option for a 21-year old at UCI: the Newport Bars. Even if the music or drink selection is not necessarily always up to par, with the right company you can still make a night of bar-hopping worthwhile.* So here's a few things about the bar experience that most 21-year old students trying to enjoy a night out can relate to:
1. Pre-Gaming With Your Friends
Because why would you spend
2. Timing Your Uber Just Right
Get there too early and it's just awkward - get there too late and you're stuck in line all night when you could be inside dancing away.
3. The One Friend Who Flirts With The Bouncer
She may embarrass you at first but when you get in within two minutes instead of one hour you'll be thanking her.
4. When You Finally Do Get Inside
That brief moment of Victory.
5. Showing Off Your Group Dance Routine
To prove all those "Just Dance" sessions in your living room weren't for nothing.
6. That One Friend Who Just Does Too Much
They're having a great of a time no matter how hard everyone is staring.
7. But You're Cheering Them On Anyways
Because you're a great friend - go you.
8. Finally Getting That Cutie's Attention
Cutie in class I've been eyeing all week - how you doin'?
9. Running Into An Old Buddy
Whether it's your friends from high school, an Alumni, or your freshman dorm buddy - something about a bar that makes acquaintances best friends for the night.
10. The Couple in the Group Who Can't Be Away From Each Other
20% Cute 80% annoying. You love them anyways.
11. Seeing Your Friend Run Into Their Ex
After all your hard work of being their shoulder to cry on you just can't let that whole mess happen again.
12. Needing More Alcohol to Deal With People
Sometimes you just need liquid courage for everyone's nonsense.
13. Leaving Your Hot Friend Alone For Five Seconds
And now you have to save her from strangers.
14. That Friend Who Thinks They Can Twerk
But you don't have the heart to tell them.
15. Watching Someone Else's Drama Unfold
Still having too good of a time to care though.
16. That One Stranger Giving You Creepy Looks
90% of the time it's the local who spends way too much time there trying to pick up chicks.
17. The Friend Who is Just Too Drunk
Has no idea what is going on but is having a great time anyways and that's all that really matters.
18. And the One Who is Not At All
Alcohol is not always necessary. Who else is going to tell you everything you did last night?
19. Appreciating the Mom Friend
Because who else will console you when you see your crush flirting with someone else?
20. Hearing Last Call Like
Always get your money's worth.
21. That One Person Who Doesn't Want to Leave
Despite that you guys are now the only ones left, the night just isn't over for them yet. They're past the point of reasoning so it's best to just get them on home by any means necessary.
22. That Post-Bar Food
Your friend just needed chicken nuggets right now.
23. And Finally Getting Home Safe and Sound
Because there's no better way to end a night of fun and responsible drinking than in a comfy bed. You work hard, don't be afraid to play a little harder. You deserve it.
*Always Drink Responsibly