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Actually a dungeon
of music, dancing and amusement!
Image by mantasmagorical
“But why can’t I go to the club, mum?” I enquired in exasperation. I understood her anxieties. Every parent worries. Innocent at 18 and anxious about approaching the clubbing scene, I was subject to mixed opinions from my peers and elders. According to my mother, clubs are a camouflage for seedy, sex-obsessed old men: “keen on young meat” with rapists around every corner. I wasn't convinced. It had been years since my old ma had been out on the town.
Yet according to my friends, clubbing was just something I had to try. So, one night, with a YOLO attitude to hand and wearing a simple lacy black dress, I allowed my friends to take me out on my first clubbing experience. My mother was certain I was being bewitched into a dungeon of drugs, drink and disaster. But she was wrong. See, if you keep yourself safe and don’t go too mental, clubbing is an awesome night out. Clubs = dancing. Dancing releases endorphins and everyone knows endorphins = happy.
Over my (soon to be) three years as a student at Manchester, I've met quite a few people who are virgin clubbers or are nervous around the whole scene. Fear not! Your Fairy God-Mother is here! You shall go to
THE PREPARATION.
It goes without saying that you
should always go out with people you know and trust. Let people know where you’re
going and what time you expect to arrive back home (ish). Charge your phone and
make sure you have plenty of credit. You should also make sure you also know
the contact number of a reputable taxi firm to avoid the 4 am panic.
Be savvy and never go to a club
without checking online for deals and free drink vouchers. Often, if you tweet
a night-club, they may give you discounted or even free entry. Make sure to
check for any guest-lists online easily available from the club’s Facebook page
or Twitter feed.
Top up your handbag with pound coins (for drinks, entry and taxi fare), plasters (for minor injuries and rubbing shoes) and condoms (just...in case.) To prepare your body for alcohol, drink plenty of water and eat well beforehand. When drinking, pace yourself and alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Drink slowly and remember to keep your drinks with you at all times. For safety, invest in a drink stopper which combats spiking. These are usually available at freshers’ fairs. Most importantly, know when to stop. If you start to feel unwell or uncomfortable, stop immediately! |
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Alternate between
alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Image by DeusXFlorida
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THE BALL-GOWN.
Ladies, cut-outs and short skirts
are for the brave! For your first time, wear a dress in a colour you feel most
confident in. Black and red are standard colours for nights out and scream
sophistication. Choose a dress without reflective diamante or sequins (unless
you’re going for the firework look) as the lights may make your dress light up.
If you feel less than comfortable in a dress, opt for leggings and a top. It’ll
get hot in the club so dress accordingly!
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Dress from Asos
A style of dress I
would recommend
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Accessories-wise: ditch heavy jewellery and to feel extra
confident, wear tights. Always choose a bag that you can easily carry and make sure
there is a zip. This is obviously not only for security reasons but also to make sure the
contents of your bag don’t fall out.
Wear your hair however you want.
Make sure to lock your hair-style with hairspray and plenty of pins. Your
hair-style may become loose with dancing, especially if you’re the type to
break out some serious shapes on the dance-floor!
The heels vs. flats dilemma:
Every girl wants to look like a super-model in an attempt to attract the eye of
a potential suitor puller. However, beware of the side-effects:
imbalance, blisters and sore feet. Combat these effects with more sensible
foot-wear or carry flats in your bag.
THE NOT-SO-CHARMING SUITORS.
Don’t want to be pulled? You
don’t have to be. If you hit an unsavoury situation with Mr or Mrs.
Touchy-Feely, break away and be firm!
THE CARRIAGE HOME.
Last but certainly not least, take
a licensed taxi home and never go home alone.
What other tips do you know of? Leave your comments below.
Great tips! I've no been on a night out in ages! I do recommend Uber Taxis for the journey home though :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Never heard of Uber Taxis!
Deletegreat tips! i normally go with streetcars manchester thatgive student discount!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ellie!
DeleteHehe such a funny but good post! Eeeh trying to remember the days of going out at 18 here x
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it!
Delete