Everyone was going out on the first night of orientation. I stayed in because, first of all, I was tired from an exhaustive orientation day, and, second, I thought I should pace myself. I told myself there would be so many other times I could stay out all night partying.

But the truth is that I was dreading it; I had never been to a college party before. I told two girls from my floor (a set of twins who would become two close friends) about being worried since I was so inexperienced, and they told me that they would take me out on my first official night partying.

On the second day of classes (which was on a Thursday), I told the twins I was ready to finally go out. Julia said she had to stay in to get some homework done, but Mary said she was down. She told me what to wear and that I should meet her at 11:30 outside her door.

My immediate thought, being a college party virgin, was, do people actually go out this late? How can this be appealing to anyone? But, I already agreed to go out so I couldn’t back out now. I put on my party attire, which was jeans and a tank top with beat-up Keds (because nothing is worse than other people spilling drinks on nice clothes).

I kept telling Mary how nervous I was the entire ten-minute walk to the party through Arthur Avenue. She kept telling me that everything would be fine and that we could always leave whenever. When we first got there, it was so empty. Mary told me it would get really packed after midnight.

She was right; by half past, it was so full that I couldn’t even move. I couldn’t hear anyone who talked to me because the place was as loud as a concert hall. To keep my escapade short, it wasn’t the best night, but I was still really glad I got my first night out over with.

The next time I went out was with my roommate and her friends who I hadn’t met before. I’ll never forget it because it had everything: laughter, tears, and other things I’ll keep in my memories. I met one of my best friends that night. I realized that going out without any expectations could wind up being really fun.

I remember being younger and seeing photos of girls who graduated and went off to college. So many of the photos were taken at parties, and I remember thinking, is that the only thing they can do in college? I’ll never be like that. I judged prematurely because now I realize that we’re so busy with school during the week that going out is a way to take a break and have some fun.

After having way more crazy experiences since that first night out, I can say that there’s nothing wrong with blowing off some steam after a hard week.