by Emily.
My top tips on how to make the most of the partying and drinking culture at university (after lockdown only).
- Find your scene
There are plenty of ways to get out and have fun, whether it’s clubbing, pubbing or partying. Everyone is different and everyone has a different idea of fun so it’s important to find your “thing”. Find somewhere that feels special for you, somewhere with a good vibe that fits your mood and interests. This may take a while and a bit of trial and error but trust me, finding the right atmosphere will totally improve the experience. For me, this place is my local LGBT+ club called CRUSH. The atmosphere is great, they play absolute bangers, the drinks are cheap, and the drag queens are fierce. I also have a few other local favourites that I hit with different crowds and at different times of the month. A cosy little Friday afternoon drink with my course buddies in a casual and homely little pub near the uni, a Monday evening pub quiz in the busy student union with my flatmates, a Friday night pub crawl, exploring some of the wildest and weirdest pubs and clubs in Edinburgh with my casual friends and a Friday night at CRUSH with some of my closest friends.
- Find your drink
When I first got to uni, I had a pint of cider every time I went out. However, a huge pint of cider is a big commitment (and a bit of a hazard) when you’re on the dance floor. One pint every so often doesn’t get you very drunk and doesn’t leave you much freedom of movement so it wasn’t really the drink for me. Now I only drink cider as my opening drink at my pub quiz; I can sit and nurse it for however long it takes to drink, it doesn’t get me so drunk that I can’t concentrate, and the seated but busy social atmosphere seems to suit the drink. If I’m out clubbing and want to get really drunk really fast, I usually opt for a vodka cranberry. I can down this drink quickly because it isn’t fizzy (and doesn’t make you burp), it’s a cheap option and I like the taste of cranberry juice, I usually drink this at the start of the night to get things moving. Then, I’ll switch to a gin and tonic. The bubbles make me drink slower towards the end of the night and tonic water if good for a hangover (I almost never get hangovers though). I’ll also drink a gin and tonic at more classy or laid back events when I want to make a good impression, it makes me feel like I’m still having a cheeky drink but it’s a bit posher than a vodka cranberry or a pint of cider. Experiment with your drink and find something that fits evening.
- Find your crowd
The absolute most important thing when partying and drinking is to always do it with people you trust. If you’re nervous at first, go with a close friend. If you plan on getting steaming drunk, make sure you’re with someone who you’d trust to take you home. If you’re meeting with mutual or new friends, make sure someone knows where you are in case you need picked up. If you find yourself walking home alone at night, again, make sure to tell a flat mate or close friend when you leave, just in case you need a hand getting home. A solid friend group makes partying and drinking so much safer and much more fun. Don’t be embarrassed to ask a mate to walk you home, you don’t want to end up sleeping in a bush or getting lost. Of course, going out to an event alone I order to meet new people can also be great and I’ve made some of my best friends by doing this during freshers week, but being mindful of your situation and making it home safe and with all your belongings tops off a perfect night.
Mainly Witterings 