Your parents left, your time in the wilderness at Corral is over, and you’ve finally unpacked your last box… what should you do now? Go out. Gather up all your newfound friends for an amazing night in the Big D. Whether you go to M Street, Blue Fish, or a rave here are five necessities for your first night out!
1. Friend: A good friend is the most important item for a good night. She’ll be your wingman, dance partner, and take you home after you’ve had one too many. A friend is your hero in those sticky situations when you don’t know anybody at the bar or that creepy guy that’s 20 years older than your dad won’t leave you alone. You know you’ve found a keeper when she’ll wait in the insanely long bathroom line with you.
2. Cash: You need it almost as much as you need froyo when it’s hot. Cash can open doors, literally – taxi doors. It’s cab policy to accept credit cards, but it’s not uncommon for them to hassle you for cash instead or claim you card’s not going through. Lies. It’s best to just avoid the whole situation and pay in the green. Paying in cash lets you split up the fare evenly. If you’re smart, you’ll save your singles because it’s often $4 a person. You’re also inevitably going to have a friend that only brings her credit card every time she goes out. Such a newbie. Direct her to the cash machine next to the post office in Hughes Trigg.
3. Friendly Attitude: Obviously you want to meet people and make friends, so be friendly at the bar! Smile and introduce yourself. Don’t worry about it being awkward or weird, it’s not. Everybody’s excited for new faces and to see friends after the long summer!
4. Clutch: A clutch is crucial to a successful night and it’s the perfect size. All you need is your SMU ID or apartment key, money, phone, blotting papers (you will be sweaty), and your ID. Don’t bring a honking bag, I guarantee you’ll whack somebody with it on the dance floor and that’s not a good introduction.
5. Outfit: Cater your outfit to the plan for the night. Are you going to go drink sake or techno it up at the rave? You don’t want to walk into Blue Fish wearing your hot pink spanx and glitter lipstick, while everybody else tries to figure out if that’s your style or if you’re lost. A good outfit makes you feel confident and that’s honestly the most important thing. So try on a million different things, pour through your friends’ closets, and be happy in what you walk out in. My best advice: don’t wear jeans – 108°is hot, and it’s even hotter in the bars or on the dance floor.
Can’t wait to see you out!