I’m certainly no professional on the subject, but over the past year, I’ve learned a few things about hitting the bar in the real world through lots of trial and error. If you spent your college days hitting the bar that had no cover and $1 drink nights, this article is for you.

1. Cash is your best friend

Make sure you always have cash with you. You never know when there will be a cover charge (especially when it’s higher than you expected), your card will get declined or you'll want to pay your friend back for the round she just bought.

2. Transportation is a must

Always have a ride home and a backup option. This isn’t a quaint college campus where you can just hop on the university bus or walk home. There’s nothing worse than being stranded, so plan ahead.

3. Always hit that 100 percent

Charge your phone to 100 percent before you leave the house. Your friends will want to know where you are when you wander off with that cute boy, so make sure you can get them all the updates. It’ll also come in handy to take pictures for the Insta or to call that ride home at the end of the night.

4. Accept graciously

5. Let them see you rollin'

6. Chose your clothes wisely.

Always pick an outfit that you wouldn't mind ending up on someone else's Instagram, Facebook, or Snapchat. I can't tell you how many times a friend has said they saw someone else's snapchat story and I was in it wearing an awful outfit. Make sure this doesn't happen to you!

7. Single and ready to mingle

If you’re single and ready to mingle, don’t sit at the end of the bar! As I was sitting at the end of the bar with one of my friends one night, a bartender (who was also really attractive and gave me his number later) told me to never sit at the end of the bar. If it’s coming from someone who sees it all the time, it’s got to be good advice. Put yourself in the middle so lots of people will walk by you and you can attract the attention of others!

Most importantly, remember to have fun. We are only young once and our days of hitting the bar are (unfortunately) numbered. Make the most of where you are and who you are with!