Freshers Week is fast approaching, and for many, this will be the first time they will experience the joys (if that is the right word) of clubbing. If any of you hardened eighteen-year-olds are reading this article and scoffing, just remember that not all of your peers are as cool and worldly as you are; I know I certainly wasn’t at eighteen. So, here are a few points of advice that may be obvious to some, but can make the difference between a good night out and an early exit.

Footwear

“You do not want to be ruining your one nice pair of formal shoes for the sake of one night out”

Cambridge clubs are pretty relaxed regarding dress codes; you won’t get turned away for wearing jeans, and you certainly don’t need to don ridiculously uncomfortable shoes to get past the bouncers. I would strongly discourage heels – they may look great at the start of the night, but with most students opting to walk to the club, and the majority of Cambridge clubs featuring at least two sets of stairs, that’s an awful lot of strain on your feet. Nightclub floors have a uniquely disgusting feel that is difficult to describe – usually a combination of spilt drinks, muddy shoes, and goodness knows what else. You do not want to be ruining your one nice pair of formal shoes for the sake of one night out. I and many of my friends have one set of old trainers or converse which are designated ‘club shoes’; comfy enough to be worn all night, and without any sentimental connection. This is the best solution I have found to avoid getting back from a night out and feeling like I want to cut my feet off.

Outfits

“You can go as wild as you like, although I usually stick to some variation of the ‘jeans and a going-out top’ combo”

As mentioned, Cambridge clubs do not have strict dress codes and many students use nights out as an opportunity to get creative with their fashion. You can go as wild as you like, although I usually stick to some variation of the ‘jeans and a going-out top’ combo. Is it a little repetitive? Yes. But does it get the job done? Definitely. Wearing jeans also has the massive benefit of giving you pockets, which brings me to my next point….

A Purse, A Purse, My Kingdom for a Purse…

Please, for the love of whatever you believe in, make sure you have somewhere secure to put your phone and your wallet. No, you can’t just hold your phone in your hand. No, you can’t just put stuff in your bra. On a single night out at Revolution, my friends and I once collected two photo IDs, one Camcard, and a phone that had all been misplaced by their owners. I’m very aware as I’m writing this that I sound like quite a mum, but trust me you will not have a fun evening if something goes missing. It’s also never enjoyable to have to return to the club in the light of day, to sheepishly ask if anyone handed it in. Jean pockets usually work fine for securing your stuff, or if you have a particular set of pocketless bottoms you want to wear, a small purse also works well.

Be the Hottest person in the Queue (literally)

This is a debate as old as time itself- should one bring a jacket to the club? The moment you step inside, the club feels like a tropical greenhouse, and any outer layers are worse than useless. Many of my friends insist that the bother of queuing for the cloakroom, paying a small fee, and then repeating the whole business again at the end of the night is not worth the hassle. And it is easy to convince yourself the same as you prepare to leave your cosy accommodation room, your friends assuring you that you can just “firm it” for the walk to the club.

For me, however, a jacket is essential. The moment you are cold, you are grumpy. And the moment you are grumpy, the fun of the night out is over. If you really can’t bear the thought of spending a couple of pounds to store your coat in the cloakroom, at least bring a lightweight jumper you can tie around your waist in the club. Your future self will thank you profusely.