Things you need to know before your first night of partying

As a veteran club patron, I have witnessed (and experienced) some truly terrible things.

From drunk friends being bounced out of a club to holding up a stranger’s hair while she vomits dangerously close to my shoes, I have had an overwhelming number of odd nights out.

So for all of you new to the party scene, here are six things you need to know before your first night out:

1. What to wear

The first time I stepped into a club I was wearing a pair of heels. This turned out to be a terrible idea as within half an hour I had already stumbled, fallen, and cut myself on rogue glass shards. If you can dance and navigate a crowded club in a pair of heels for hours on end, kudos to you…But I would not suggest it.

On a more gender-neutral note, definitely avoid wearing any thick fabrics or uncomfortable outfits that might make you sweat. Clubs can get ridiculously hot and nobody likes body odour in cramped spaces.

Each club also has its own dress code, so check them out beforehand. As a general rule, avoid shorts, slippers and stick to collared shirts (for the guys) and you should be fine.

2. What to bring

Packing for a night out is an art form perfected by few. Ideally, you should be able to fit everything you need in a small bag or even just on your person.

You need identification (obviously) and since most clubs do not accept ez-link cards, bring your NRIC. Additionally, it is always easier to have a debit or credit card on you rather than fumble with a wad of cash at the bar.

You should also take along a portable charger. I can guarantee that even if you do not end up using it, one of your friends will need it.

Last but not least, if you ignored my advice about high heels, make sure you bring a couple of plasters with you because blisters are a real thing and accidents can happen in a crowded club.

3. When to go

The best time to head to a club would be around midnight since the clubs are mostly empty before that and an empty dance floor is not much fun.

Pro-tip for the ladies: Ladies’ Nights are the best since there is usually free entry and a couple of free drinks from the club (or even some bars around the area). Ladies’ nights can be on any day of the week, but Wednesday nights are usually a safe bet, especially around Clarke Quay.

4. In the queue

At the club, you will have to queue, pay for entry and get a stamp or band on one of your hands/forearms.

Make good use of the time you have in the queue to whip out your ID and open up your bag for the bouncers to check.

5. Bag deposits

Most clubs have a bag deposit area. Some require payment while others don’t. You will usually end up with a key/tag; Do not lose these as they are the only way of getting your stuff back.

6. Staying safe

Make sure that you have someone that you can trust to get you home safe. This person should even go to the extent of making sure you end up inside your own home before leaving you.

You definitely do not want to party with a group of friends who cannot handle their alcohol. Best case scenario: they get drunk and you end up taking care of them or watching them get bounced out of the club. Worst case scenario: you getting drunk or drugged with no one to take care of you.

Drugging is also something you need to watch out for. It could happen in the two seconds that you’re distracted or even when you leave a drink unattended at the bar. Never pick up a drink you’ve set down and politely decline free drinks (except those given to you directly by the establishment).

Clubbing is an awesome experience and definitely something you should experience at least once in your youth. After all, you will only be young once and it is the best time to experiment and go wild.

Hopefully this article has helped you better understand exactly what to do to avoid looking silly or annoying others on your first night out partying. Now go ahead, let your hair down and go crazy!