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 :
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