Each year, thousands of new students will head to university without ever having been to a nightclub. Lots of freshers’ events are centred on clubbing, drinking, and dancing; so, how are these nightlife newbies supposed to navigate this new world? This quick 4-step guide will give you the lowdown on what to expect, how to enjoy your night, and most importantly: how to stay safe before, during and after the dance floor. 

Preparing. 

Don’t take clubbing too seriously. Your goal is to have fun with your friends, dance and let loose for the night. For safety, stick with your friends; organise to go out with your seminar group, flat or society. Tell someone who isn’t going with you where you’re going – it’s always good to have someone in the loop in case you forget your keys or need something in the night! Wear something comfortable, show your style to attract new likeminded friends and most importantly: wear deodorant! 

Travelling. 

You might have had some pre-drinks with your friends, but whether or not you drink, make sure you keep an eye on your group so that you all reach the club together. This is a good time to plan your route home, and book a taxi early if you need one; as of August 2024, Norwich still doesn’t have its night-bus back! If your friends want to use drugs, don’t feel pressured to use them; people that pressure you to use any substance aren’t worth your time. If you want to use drugs on your night out, stay safe by following this harm reduction guidance: https://www.release.org.uk/basic-harm-reduction. 

Clubbing. 

The first thing most people do when they get into the club is go to the bar, but don’t be afraid to ask for water or a soft drink! Spacing out drinks is the best way to keep a clear head and prevent a hangover the next day. Lots of club-goers stay sober the whole night, and that is fine too. If you don’t want to jump straight into dancing and bobbing to the music on the dance floor with your friends, that is more than acceptable. The dance floor is a judgement free space, nobody is watching you. A dancer with no confidence is much worse than a ‘bad dancer.’ Remember to try and keep track of your friends, and if you need fresh air, the smoking shelter is the perfect place to refresh and make new friends. 

Returning. 

If you’re lucky you’ll be heading home with the same friends you came with, but things happen! Your friends might be heading to hook-up with someone, heading to an after party or to another club. If you’ve had enough and want to head home, the first thing you should do is make sure your friends are safe and happy. If you have to head home alone, a great resource is ‘Strut Safe’, a volunteer-ran call line that provides a ‘friendly voice to keep you company and help you feel safe until you are through the door.’ Save their number as ‘Strut Safe’ in case you need it: 03333350026, and find them online at https://strutsafe.org/ for more information. 

Feature photo credit: Fiona Hill