First time clubbing...any tips/advice?

Snowdrop

Well-known member
So I've finally gathered up the courage to go to one of these things. OK well mostly because I couldn't really get out of it.
It's a friend's birthday and due to my SA, I am scared to death of going around to clubs and pubs, mostly coz I've never been in them and they seem way too sociable for me.
I'm nervous about so many things; people trying to get me drunk, having to dance in front of others, being judged...I know I should just let go and enjoy myself. But how can I do this?

Also, seriously, what would I be expecting when I go in? Do I need a passport? How should I act/order drinks? Sorry for the newbie questions...

ANY advice would be appreciated... thank you ::eek::
 
Last edited:

Ignace

Well-known member
Fantastic you're gonna try it. But it's at your own risk .. ;) Just joking. :D Watch what other people do. Act like you're full of self esteem. :) Ordering drinks is not that hard really, just shout what you want. :)
 

Feathers

Well-known member
YAY going clubbing!! :)

Seriously, it depends what kind of a pub/club/bar you go to... For me, the most important is quality of music, if it's music I hate, it will be very difficult, if it's music I LIKE it can be LOTS of FUN!! :)

So, ask your friend about what kind of place it was going to be, what kind of music they have there, etc. You can google it up too, to see what music is there on what nights.. If she says, 'Around..' ask which ones she had in mind... There are usually a few 'favorite choices'...
If it's music you hate, just maybe go for half an hour and have transport ready to go home... Ideally it's a near-by place or near to public transport so you can come back to the dorm easily, though it's better if a bunch of you go together (maybe if someone has a test/exam next day? or has same taste in music as you?) or bring pepper spray or something... or you'd go with your own transport (if you have a car), a friend of mine always insists on going with her own car, so she can go home whenever she wants to...

Actually, I'm way less self-conscious in a crowd.. Nobody really sees you well as the lights are dimmed a bit and it's a crowd, and you can relax and just have fun... If others are dancing on the dancefloor you'll see that nobody really notices you, as everyone is dancing, and some will dance way worse then you too, and you can sort of just groove a bit, some people just tap their foot or something, others are more 'adventurous' in dancing..

Also, observe others, how they act.. And maybe see who looks cool/decent/okay and sorta do similar, just follow your friends... (As long as they do smart things!!) Also keep an eye on your friends, not sure what they're like.. Some people can get very drunk (especially if not used to it or eg miserable or just 'experimenting') or can't hold their liquor... It's best to give yourself a limit for drinks, especially if you're not used to them, and eat before you go anywhere.. (and if needed, inbetween and/or after, or 'dance it off'...)

About being pushed to drink, yup, that can happen.. If you're the 'designated driver' they'll leave you alone.. A friend of mine also said alcohol gives her the hives, and just maybe drank one glass to toast and not anymore.. (no idea if that was true, lol!) I maybe drink 1 glass of wine to toast too, and/or make sure my glass is filled with something else.. Beer or some mixes with beer, eg lemonade+beer can be less intoxicating, stay away from vodka or shots or any sugary mixes with stronger liquor... (if possible...) Sip it, don't drink too fast..
Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat, especially if you drink any alco - alcohol can de-hydrate you...
Actually it was easier to dance all night on just water.. depends what kind of friends you have, I liked going dancing with friends who didn't drink either, or didn't push to drink.. (Some just prefer to drink it all themselves, he he..)

If it's your friend's b-day, most likely she'll buy the first round of drinks at least.. If there are other people, you'll see if someone else buys the second round, or your friend will still buy all rounds.. Observe and learn..

How old are you? Can you legally drink alcohol? Do people look at age/IDs where you live/in that pub? Are you an international student?
When I was in UK, nobody asked for passport in a pub/club/bar, but I was older than 21 anyway..
Other people from UK will probably answer better.. Where I live they didn't look at IDs when I was younger, so I just had some money in my pocket.. Some people may carry purses or a small backpack... If you bring it make sure to keep your eyes on it, and that things are safe..
You can look at pics of pubs/clubs or the particular one/s you're going to and see what people have with...

There are some other posts/threads on partying, maybe do a search...

And HAVE FUN!! (But don't expect to have fun! Just think of it as an interesting anthropological experience.. Sometimes just 'people watching' is very much fun indeed!!)

So I've finally gathered up the courage to go to one of these things. OK well mostly because I couldn't really get out of it.
It's a friend's birthday and due to my SA, I am scared to death of going around to clubs and pubs, mostly coz I've never been in them and they seem way too sociable for me.
I'm nervous about so many things; people trying to get me drunk, having to dance in front of others, being judged...I know I should just let go and enjoy myself. But how can I do this?

Also, seriously, what would I be expecting when I go in? Do I need a passport? How should I act/order drinks? Sorry for the newbie questions...

ANY advice would be appreciated... thank you ::eek::
 
Last edited:

Sinar_Matahari

Well-known member
It's really not as scary as it may seem now. Assuming that you are female, do not wear clothing that you will not feel comfortable in or that will garner you a lot of attention. However, when I began going out with my friends, we were always very dressy and got a lot of stares which I have to say helped me become comfortable with getting attention. Though, I wouldn't overdo it for a first timer. Besides, you don't want to outshine the birthday girl.

When it comes to drinking alcohol, keep it light. Especially if you're a first-time drinker. Decide how much you want to drink and stick to that. Drink a light beer or ale and don't drink too fast. You might even want to have one shot to calm your nerves (maybe before you go to the club or bar). Even if people insist that you drink more, just smile politely and say "no, thank you". If they ask why, then simply tell them that you're not a heavy drinker. You have every right to decline a drink if you've reached your limit. You can always order water, juice or soda for the rest of the evening. Ordering is simple, the bartenders and waitresses are used to seeing all sorts of people, and are normally too busy working to stop and judge you.

Remember that there are so many people out and about that most people won't really be paying too much attention to what you're doing, what you're wearing etc...And if they do then you're not going to be the only one their paying attention to. In other words, it's not going to be anything personal. What I said about drinking also applies to dancing. You don't have to dance if you don't want to. You can stand around and watch other people dance. I do that if I'm not in the mood to dance.

You might want to bring some ID to verify that you are of drinking age just in case. When it comes to socializing, don't worry to much about it. If someone asks you a question or addresses you then answer them. If you want to address someone then ask a question or comment on their attire, hairstyle...Talking is also something you don't have to do if you're not feeling comfortable with it. Just take your time and think about enjoying the experience. You might find that you like being out in the company of others. Have fun, honey and keep telling yourself that it's not as scary as it seems. You'll see that this will be true.
 
Last edited:

Snowdrop

Well-known member
When it comes to drinking alcohol, keep it light. Especially if you're a first-time drinker. Decide how much you want to drink and stick to that. Drink a light beer or ale and don't drink too fast. You might even want to have one shot to calm your nerves (maybe before you go to the club or bar). Even if people insist that you drink more, just smile politely and say "no, thank you". If they ask why, then simply tell them that you're not a heavy drinker. You have every right to decline a drink if you've reached your limit. You can always order water, juice or soda for the rest of the evening. Ordering is simple, the bartenders and waitresses are used to seeing all sorts of people, and are normally too busy working to stop and judge you.

About being pushed to drink, yup, that can happen.. If you're the 'designated driver' they'll leave you alone.. A friend of mine also said alcohol gives her the hives, and just maybe drank one glass to toast and not anymore.. (no idea if that was true, lol!) I maybe drink 1 glass of wine to toast too, and/or make sure my glass is filled with something else.. Beer or some mixes with beer, eg lemonade+beer can be less intoxicating, stay away from vodka or shots or any sugary mixes with stronger liquor... (if possible...) Sip it, don't drink too fast..
Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat, especially if you drink any alco - alcohol can de-hydrate you...
Actually it was easier to dance all night on just water.. depends what kind of friends you have, I liked going dancing with friends who didn't drink either, or didn't push to drink.. (Some just prefer to drink it all themselves, he he..)

If it's your friend's b-day, most likely she'll buy the first round of drinks at least.. If there are other people, you'll see if someone else buys the second round, or your friend will still buy all rounds.. Observe and learn..
How old are you? Can you legally drink alcohol? Do people look at age/IDs where you live/in that pub? Are you an international student?
When I was in UK, nobody asked for passport in a pub/club/bar, but I was older than 21 anyway..

First of all thanks to you all who answered :) it did make me feel a bit more confident...
Anyways, I'm 18, my friend is turning 19. So I guess it's not all too weird to be new to this... I think I'll bring a passport as I've heard they don't let you in clubs without them and they won't serve you drinks in pubs.

I'm just worried I'll look like a right idiot if I don't know what I'm ordering (everyone else seems to be experienced in drinks) - I don't like the taste of alchohol much but alcopops are a bit too sickly sweet for me. I want to find a light drink that I'm okay with as I don't want to be one of those people that just stick with coke all night long.
 

Danfalc

Banned
I'm just worried I'll look like a right idiot if I don't know what I'm ordering (everyone else seems to be experienced in drinks) - I don't like the taste of alchohol much but alcopops are a bit too sickly sweet for me. I want to find a light drink that I'm okay with as I don't want to be one of those people that just stick with coke all night long.

Well this is a new experience to you like others have said,so don't beat yourself up for not knowing how it all kind of works.I was going to suggest Baileys but you might find that a bit sickly too.Maybe you could just get a single vodka with a lot of coke?Though I'm not sure Vodka is light haha.

Maybe have a look when you get there at what they have behind the bar?Just don't pressure yourself,take your time,and if you feel brave enough maybe ask for advice off someone working at the bar.Or maybe your friends will be able to recommend something a bit more to your tastes.

I would take a passport for sure,it's just easier to have ID,than to have your night ruined because you didn't :)

Most importantly have fun :D
 

diesel

Well-known member
best advice i can give you and im a serious clubber is :

Just Let Go

it worked really well for me :D don't think about it , just do it .
 

Snowdrop

Well-known member
Aww thanks guys :D you gave great tips, it made me take this a lot less seriously. I'll be thinking of u guys when I'm raving lol. okay, well I won't be raving but the hokey pokey sounds good Phocas xD
 
Last edited:

Iseesky

Well-known member
I was in your exact situation last month! My friend turned 19 and wanted to go clubbing for her birthday. I was so nervous. I didn't know what to expect. I thought it would be full of trashy girls dirty dancing with tacky, drunk guys.

We got there at around 10ish and were the only people there at first. We just pretty much stood and talked. A few minutes later a big group came in with a Bachelorette party. They started dancing, so we felt more comfortable to do so as well. My friends both got drinks/shots, but I don't much like to drink, so I stayed mostly stober (with the exception of my first ordered drink...martini...at the restaurant beforehand). I actually found that I was more into it than my friends who were drinking! It was very dark inside (which made me much more comfortable) and there were a bunch of laser lights going around.

The bartenders were quite nice. If I wanted to drink, I'd have been comfortable asking them what they suggest for a nice, light drink.

People mainly kept to themselves, but there were a few drunk guys who would come up to different groups and try to dance. We just ignored them and they stopped.

It wasn't really my scene. I'm not really into top 40 music...I probably wouldn't go for the Hell of it, but I'd definitely be comfortable going again for a birthday party.

Make sure you're as comfortable as possible. Wear an old dress that you're used to and heels that you've worn plenty of times before. Some people were in jeans and a nice t-shirt, some guys were in t-shirts, jeans and skate shoes and other girls were dressed for prom.
 
Last edited:

combat

Well-known member
How should I act/order drinks?

As someone who just started drinking about a year ago, I can tell you this isn't a big deal. Just tell your friends/coworkers/whoever you're with that you only recently started drinking and have no clue about alcohol and would like some recommendations for good drinks. They'll make decent suggestions for you.
 

missjesss

Banned
basic advice
1) tell urself in the mirror 10-20 times that ur going to have a good night and ur not going to focus on ppl around u or watching u, compliment urself on how u look
2) get urself in a good mood before leaving play ur fav music or any sort of music that will get u in a party mood ;p
3) do have a few drinks my personal favorite drinks are vodka and redbull (although u might want to avoid too much redbull as it is a stimulant) vodka lime and soda or beer :)
4)be in the moment and try not to get caught up in ur thoughts
5) just relax and SMILE :)
 

R3K

Well-known member
have lots of cash ready, including a few one bills. buy a drink the instant you get in there and tip the bartender a dollar. don't slam the drink or get crazy drunk, but just keep the drink glued to your hand and sip it. if you get dragged onto the dancefloor the object in your hand will act as a dance-impeder so all you can do is bob your head and look like you're too cool to actually dance. and if you don't gotta worry about actually dancing then it'll be ten times easier to get through the whole clubbing experience.
 
Top