It's a "Golden Rule" that in college, Thursday through Sunday nights are reserved for best friends, bars, boys - and sometimes a combination of the three. Whether you go to school in a small town or your university creates the nightlife of a city, there are good times ready to be had wherever you are.

The afternoon before a big outing can always be stressful: What pregame do you go to? What do you wear? Do you eat a big lunch or save your calorie count for the brunch you know you are going to devour the next day? The first step to your best night is: Don't Stress - Go With The Flow. Make sure you've coordinated with your three best friends and just show up wherever feels right. Whether you're partying with your close friends or that best friend duo from your Spanish class, you are sure to have a good time. It's just the pregame! 

Speaking of pregame, while we're trying to "never remember" this night, we're not trying to get sick throughout it either. This brings us to step two: Always remember - Liquor Before Beer, In the Clear. Beer Before Liquor Never Been Sicker. Consider this your only real rule for the night. Stay away from the brew until you are sure you're ready to put that tequila away for the night. 

It's also very important to set the tone for the evening. The best night of your life does not include the worst moments of your day. Did you fail that Spanish test today? Leave it all in the past (even if the past is 10 minutes ago) and look forward to an evening of fun and adventure. Your mindset is the mood-maker - and that is step three.

Step four is simple, and should be followed very carefully and effortlessly - Treat this night (and every night out) like it's your birthday. Everyone is much more fun and extra enthusiastic on their birthday, so why should this night be any different? Call the shots, go to your favorite bars in town, and wear your favorite dress that you've been saving for a special occasion. The happier you look and feel the more likely you are to surround yourself with like-minded people.

Now, you're ready to actually go out. Wherever you go, make sure the drink specials are strong and the bartenders are cute! Take this real estate rule to heart, location location location. In order to ensure a good night, its vital to always make sure you're at the top 'place to be' but also have side options. Your best bet will be to stay in a very populated area with several bars nearby. "Bar-crawling" is an art and will allow you to meet everyone there is to meet on any given Saturday night. 

However.. the best night of your life doesn't have to be spent in the downtown are of your college town . It could be a bonfire on the beach, a camping trip in a National Park, movie (and wine) night, or a tradition you have with your friends. The best way to have the best night is the be surrounded by the best people, no matter where you are or what you are doing. There are people in life that make life more exciting whether sitting at home or painting the town red. These are just helpful hints I hope you take to heart and keep in the back of your mind. 

Don't forget to take pictures, you'll need them to refresh your memory at brunch in the morning. Trust me.